Written by: Chad Coons | CSUS CSALT Director

Photo by: Solveig Jobbins

Have you ever seen videos of someone getting injured while surfing, knocked unconscious, or caught in a dangerous position, and someone in the lineup putting themselves in harm’s way to save them?

I often think about professional surfer Evan Geiselman, who nearly lost his life at Pipeline after hitting the bottom, being knocked unconscious, and floating helplessly as massive waves continued to roll through. A man named Andre Botha rushed in, held him above the water, and helped save his life before Evan regained consciousness on the beach.

A verse that has been both convicting and encouraging me recently is Romans 15:1 “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

Andre Botha is a renowned professional bodyboarder and an expert in his craft. When push comes to shove, he is willing to risk his own life to save another. His experience, strength, and comfort in the water allowed him to step in and carry someone through a moment of weakness when they couldn’t help themselves.

God has given each of us unique gifts and strengths, and we have an obligation to use them to serve the body of Christ, especially those who are weak or struggling. Our greatest reward and treasure is found in stewarding what God has given us to build up others.

Lives are at stake. Are we willing to step outside our comfort, put others before ourselves, and enter into someone else’s weakness to help carry them through?