Playing the final round of The Masters on Easter Sunday was very fitting for golfer Zach Johnson. For him it was an opportunity to win The Masters while playing for his Master, Jesus Christ. Johnson defeated Tiger Woods by two shots to win only his second PGA (and his first major) tournament. Afterward, he acknowledged that the victory could change things for him professionally, but he maintained that it didn't change who he was personally.
Despite being raised in the church, Johnson didn’t understand what it was like to have a relationship with Christ. As soon as he was out on his own, he began thinking that living a Christian life would be “dull” and decided to pursue his own agenda – one that didn’t leave room for God. But that all changed when he met Kim. She was a Christian woman, and Johnson was enamored her from the start. Through their relationship, Johnson realized his desire for the peace and joy that he saw in Kim –blessings that could only be found by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
After committing his life to Christ in 2002, he and Kim married in 2003. Now Johnson experiences those God-given blessings on a daily basis, and he is fast learning that being a Christian is far from what he originally imagined.
“I always thought being a Christian seemed boring, but it is really the exact opposite,” says Johnson. “There’s enjoyment, fulfillment and fun. And that’s only part of it. Just knowing that my foundation lies in Jesus and in what He has done for me, and ultimately what His Father has done for all of us is what is truly important.”
On the course, Johnson truly enjoys being able to have a platform from which to share his faith. That platform includes many highlights, perhaps none more notable than in his first year on the PGA Tour. In 2004, he became just the second man in the history of the Tour to surpass $2 million in earnings in his rookie season. That year, he made 24 of 30 cuts and picked up his first Tour win in just his 13th career tournament. His Masters championship marks yet another outstanding achievement.
“Regardless of your profession, you can use that profession in some way to live out God’s will – more specifically using whatever platform you are given to share the Good News,” Johnson says. “Golf is my job and how I support my family, but what’s more important is that I can use it as a way to spread the Word of Jesus.”
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Check out FCA’s Sports New Testament, which includes other testimonies from Shaun Alexander, Kay Yow, Albert Pujols, Lisa Leslie and more. Click here to purchase your copy. |
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