By my own admission, I’m not the best golfer. Golf has a way of humbling you quickly.

Recently, I received an unexpected invitation to play in Augusta, Georgia. Before the golf gurus get too excited, it wasn’t Augusta National—it was Champions Retreat, another beautiful course. I initially felt insecure about my game and declined, but after some convincing, I decided to go.

As I approached the first hole, I noticed an older gentleman standing nearby, watching me tee off. I looked back and thought, What are you looking at? Then I hit the ball into someone’s backyard.

The next hole wasn’t much better—and the man was still watching me.

Finally, I asked my friend, “Who is that guy?”

He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Heiden, that’s Kevin—your caddie!”

I had no idea I had a personal caddie! I immediately approached Kevin and asked, “What am I doing wrong?”

He calmly replied, “You’re actually not that far off. With a couple of tweaks, you’ll be playing much better.”

Kevin quickly became my best friend. For the next sixteen holes, he coached and encouraged me. Whenever I hit a ball into the water, he reached into his seemingly miraculous pouch of golf balls and tossed me another one.

As we neared the end of the course, I said, “Kevin, I’m sorry I’ve been such a burden today.”

He stopped me and said, “Heiden, I was given an assignment today, and that is to help you finish this course strong. Stop apologizing.” Then, with a smile, he pointed toward the next hole and said, “Go ahead and make the next one!”

In that moment, the Holy Spirit got my attention.

Kevin wasn’t standing at a distance merely watching me struggle. He had come alongside me to guide, correct, encourage, and help me finish. In an infinitely greater way, this is what the Holy Spirit does for every follower of Jesus.

Jesus calls Him the Helper. The Greek word is paraklētos—one who comes alongside to help, strengthen, comfort, counsel, and advocate. The Holy Spirit is not distant or reluctant to help. He lives within us and faithfully helps us follow Jesus.

Sometimes His help comes through conviction, showing us what needs to change. He may tell us to put away the “clubs” of anger, hurry, pride, and lust and begin walking in love, joy, peace, and patience. Other times, when we feel like we’ve hit life out of bounds, He reminds us of God’s grace and helps us take the next faithful step.

And perhaps you’re not as far off as you think. Don’t quit, and stop trying to play the course alone. Listen to the Helper, trust His direction, make the adjustments He reveals, and take your next step with Him.

Where do you most need the Holy Spirit’s help today? Name that area, surrender it to Him in prayer, and obey the next step He shows you.