Written By: Kyle Sullivan | Northeast Regional Coordinator
Photo By: Ivy Scott

I’m so grateful to God for His creation. Surfing specifically, but honestly, just getting outdoors doing anything related to being involved with His handiwork does something for the soul (the place of our mind, will, and emotions).

Recently, reading through Genesis, I read about Abram rescuing his nephew Lot after an enemy kidnapped him and his family. A brutal battle was followed by a bribery attempt. What pressure from outside enemies! Then God shows up and promises Abram that he need not worry, for He would be his shield or defender. What a sweet promise. Abram then becomes honest with the Lord, though. He says, with a hint of doubt in his heart, that he was not sure he could trust God because He had yet to fulfill His original promise of providing an heir for the great nation He had already promised. What a problem Abram had on the inside!

Sound familiar? Pressures on the outside and problems on the inside?

God does two things for Abram:

• First, God gives Abram a word of reassurance that His promise will come true. (Genesis 15:4)

• Second, God “brought him outside” and asked him to look up and count the stars. (Genesis 15:5)

Abram responded with faith. He had faith in God’s promise, which was encouraged by spending time in God’s creation.

Go outside and listen to the voice of God as you read Genesis 14:8-15:6 or wherever you need to go to read the Scriptures and be reminded of God’s glory. God’s promises to us in Jesus will never fail.

God’s creation around us will humble us and help stir in us a sense of awe and lead our hearts toward worship.

Go surf! Or if you live on the East Coast of the USA, where waves have been too few recently, go walk on the beach or through the woods. Get outside! While outside, meditate on God’s promises in His Word. Then find the courage to face your pressures on the outside and the problems on the inside. How might God be asking you to trust Him and take a step of faith like Abram?

Psalm 19:1
“The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”