You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)

I read a fascinating article by David Owen a while back in Golf Digest. Through some thorough research, and a little bit of speculation, Owen shares how the world’s most famous golf course would have differed if things had panned out the way its founders planned from the very beginning. I’m referring to Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters (A Tradition Like No Other – only uttered in Jim Nance’s silky smooth voice). However, as Owen points out, the very name of the club – and the tournament it hosts – almost certainly wouldn’t be what we know and have the privilege of experiencing today.

Here are just a few highlights from Owen’s story:

• Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, the founders of the club, originally wanted to call it Georgia National, not Augusta National.
• They wanted two 18-hole golf courses, one for men and one for women.
• There were lots earmarked throughout the development for residences overlooking the course.
• Course designer Alister MacKenzie wanted a 90-yard 19^th hole to be located between the 18^th green and the No. 1 tee – primarily to give the loser of a golf match an opportunity to win his money back.

We’d all agree that Augusta National Golf Club has done quite well for itself over the last century. In fact, you could say it has far surpassed what the original founders envisioned, despite some very early setbacks which threatened its viability. What it has become could never have been designed or planned for. As Garth Brooks sings, “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.”

Sometimes we get so upset when our plans don’t work out the way we foresee them materializing. This leads us to question God, question ourselves, get frustrated, and give up. But God’s will is not something to be trifled with. His plans will be carried out, and they are always for our benefit. You and I are His children if we have put our faith in Him. Because we belong to Him, we are told He will take care of us. As Matthew wrote,

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So, if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:9-11 (NLT)

In the moment, we don’t see the detour as a gift. We see it as “less than” whatever we had in mind. But thankfully, God knows more than we do. And sometimes the “Georgia National” we spent all those years preparing for, God disrupts and redesigns into our own “Augusta National.”

Now, about those Masters tickets…

C.A. Phillips has served on staff at NorthStar Church since 2004, and has more than 35 years of baseball experience as a player, coach, and umpire. He and his wife, Amy, have two adult sons and live in Kennesaw with their German Shepherd, Abby.