Written By: Jacob Galura | Southeast Regional Coordinator
Photo By: Zane Miller

How many times have we been surfing and we get through a solid wave and get to the end section and kick out, leaving just a little more out there? Sometimes we bail because the paddle back is terrible. And sometimes, we just see the closeout section and make a business decision to save the knees and ankles and head back out. This time of year, I tend to reflect on everything God has done from start to finish throughout the year. There have been years where I’ve really finished out strong and felt super accomplished going into the new year, and others, I was just trying to survive. 

I look at Jesus’ life and ministry, in the grand scheme of things, it really was a short time of ministry compared to a lifetime. But what He did in those short years altered the course of eternity for so many of us. I’m about to start my 10th year with Christian Surfers, and I’ve been looking back at all the places God has sent me to and the people I’ve met in between. Jesus only did public ministry for three to four years before His death. In my flashbacks, I tend to ask, ‘Have I made the most of every opportunity? Were there times when I kicked out too early?’ The answer is definitely. However, Jesus continues to give us opportunities to partner in ministry with Him and to serve and lead others towards the cross. 

My life in ministry, in large part, reflected my surfing life. Early on, I struggled to understand and read situations, or waves, for that matter. I always shied away from difficult conversations because I didn’t feel I was qualified to speak into them. In the same way that we grow as surfers by starting to link turns together and being able to look ahead to what the wave gives us, the same way we learn to not just see what God is doing but to listen and watch for where He is taking us. I’m far from done with my time with CS, and just like my surfing, I’m working on getting better at finishing waves off and not putting things down too early because it’s starting to look a little intimidating or uncomfortable. 

As we move into 2026, let’s challenge each other to stick with the hard things and not give up because it feels too hard or it’s too much to overcome. Jesus pushed as hard as He could, knowing that death was waiting for Him. Now, because of His sacrifice, we can go for it knowing that there is eternity in heaven waiting for us. What do we have to lose? Let’s be bold about our faith and how we live it out, no more bailing, just sending.

Psalms 31:24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!