Surfing 101

Photo by Apolo Photographer on Unsplash

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. – Romans 5:3-4

My sister and I stood knee-deep in the restless water at the ocean’s edge, jumping over each incoming wave, squealing and laughing as we held hands and learned the art of not getting knocked down by the waves.

As we got older we ventured deeper and instead of jumping the waves, we rode the waves. The precise timing of wave riding challenged us to be in sync with the rhythm of the ocean waves. Too far behind the rise of the wave and you go nowhere. Too early ahead of the wave and you get creamed by the churning of the wave in its white foamy aftermath, sometimes pummeled to the ocean floor in its harshness. However, when we swam to position ourselves just behind the cap of the wave and were propelled by a wave’s natural forces; we were carried with a smooth ride to the shore.

At times, I’ve felt like I’ve been in life’s ocean with recurring waves of some of life’s toughest challenges. The first few waves were pretty rough, then a few small waves; and then it seems that the waves are trying to drown me. Have you felt this way at times? That life is determined to beat you up? That it is difficult to get a moment between the onslaught of waves to catch your breath? Well, hallelujah! Let’s rejoice! With the help of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we’re going to become great surfers!

How can we rejoice at times like these? Because we know that our God is the Master of the ocean of our lives. He has provided the Holy Spirit to give us the courage and the strength to position ourselves as professional wave riders, expecting the waves to keep coming and looking for opportunities to ride each wave triumphantly to the shore.

As young believers, we jump over the incoming waves holding on to Jesus’ hands. When we get knocked down a bit, we learn that Jesus is still standing in the waves of our lives with His hands ready to steady us as we get back up and try some more. Our trust builds in Jesus’ ability to keep us from drowning. Our familiarity with waves in our ocean deepens our understanding of life. Who can be mad at the ocean that there are waves? It’s part of being an ocean. Who can be mad at God that there are troubles? It’s part of life.

As our walk with Christ becomes deeper, He gives us joy. We find happiness in the ocean of our lives and we learn the rhythm of life’s seasons of calm seas and rough seas. The gentle waves give us quieter times to simply enjoy the ocean. When the large waves come rolling in, we position ourselves in the palm of God’s hand and know that the ride to the shore will be an adventure that will not destroy us, but will improve our surfing skills, our ability to live the abundant life.

God does not seek to destroy us with these waves. However, the evil one would like us to think the waves will be our undoing. Satan's purpose is to have us focus on the waves and fear them. God's purpose is the opposite.

The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10, NLT)

Questions for Reflection:

1. Have you been in life’s ocean with recurring waves of some of life’s toughest challenges? How did it make you feel?

2. Does knowing that Jesus is there with you in the crashing waves give you more confidence in facing life’s challenges?

3. Take a moment and write down three times that God has helped you “jump the waves” and move toward a positive outcome in your life?