Luckily, I had a really good surf coach who helped me, my Dad. He was always so patient, and his timing on advice seemed pre-scripted. He was able to understand my abilities as I grew and speak into what I should do next, or change what I was doing to make me better on my next wave. Imagine with me in those moments if I had told my Dad, “Actually, I think I’m just going to keep doing my thing the same way.” My surfing would still be the same today, and my Dad would have been pretty bummed trying to help me.

For a long time, I ran from the voice of God. I knew it was Him trying to get my attention in various ways. I chose my own selfish path for many years, ignoring all of the prompts from Him in my life. Truthfully, I didn’t want His guidance because I was afraid I would lose my worldly investments. I was lost, and that was a choice I made so I could warrant my own sinful desires.

Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

The worst kind of life to live is the one where you justify telling God at the end of each day, “I just want a little bit more of the world before I change.”

I learned the hard way and spent years of my life choosing to be lost. But when I finally gave in to God and listened to His voice, as I did with my dad, He transformed my life. I was no longer like a new surfer trying the same unsuccessful tactics, barely moving forward. I was listening to His voice and improving every step of the way, even if it was challenging.

Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

Give in to Him. Let His spirit guide you. God loves you and knows exactly where you are at. Even if you have turned your ear away from the coach, He is still waiting next to you for your surrender.

Galatians 5:16
Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.