Written by: Savannah Artman | Carlsbad
Photo by: Zane Miller
Every week when I paddle out at my favorite local spot, I think back to this one surfing memory from when I was about six years old. My dad had finally convinced me that the waves were mellow enough for me to paddle out with him before school one morning.
We happened to have some swell that week, and as we dropped our boards into the water and started paddling toward the break, all the fear suddenly hit me. The paddle out was long, the waves looked huge, and in my six-year-old mind, there was ZERO chance I was making it out there.
My dad brought a GoPro that morning and made us take a selfie as proof. If you look at the picture, I have full-on tears in my eyes while trying to smile for the camera. Looking back, it’s pretty hilarious. What I didn’t understand at that moment was that my dad was holding onto my board and pushing me out the entire time. I was so focused on the waves coming toward me that I completely forgot I wasn’t doing it alone. My dad was right there, helping me through every set that came pounding toward us. And yes, eventually I made it out and didn’t drown. Bahahaha.
Looking back on that memory, I can’t help but think about how often we do the same thing in our walk with God. We look at the things in front of us and immediately become overwhelmed by how we’re going to get through them. Whether it’s a difficult season, a decision we’re scared to make, or something God is calling us to step into, we can become so focused on the size of the waves that we forget who’s with us in the water.
Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV)
God never promises that we’ll have a life without challenges. Sometimes the waves really are big, and sometimes the paddle out feels impossible. But we don’t have to face any of it alone. Our Heavenly Father is present with us, giving us strength and helping us take the next step, even when we can’t see how we’re going to make it through.
The next time you’re sitting in the lineup, or you find yourself facing something in life that feels way bigger than you, remember this: you might be looking at the waves, wondering how you’re ever going to make it out, but your Father hasn’t let go. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Trust Him and remember who’s holding your board.