Preparing For Big Waves

In the summer of 2021, I went on my first real surf trip with my dad to Nicaragua. Being from Florida, I had never surfed any waves of actual size and consequence, so this trip was sure to be a learning experience for me. Sure enough, the entire trip was forecast for at least 8 foot waves, with the largest day being 12-15 feet. I was terrified. As the week went on, I realized how ill-equipped I was for these sorts of waves. With the combination of large waves, long paddles, and an aggressive lineup, I felt very out of my depth. 

After this trip I realized that if I want to succeed in these conditions in the future and not freeze from fear of the moment, I need to be intentional about my preparation, mentality and where I focus my time and energy. I can’t possibly expect to just go out into conditions like that and automatically succeed.

I find that this often is like our spiritual life. We don’t put in the effort, don’t read the Bible, neglect to talk to God consistently, and don’t work to grow that relationship with Him; then, when the big waves and aggressive crowds, aka the struggles of life come, we don’t know how to navigate them. The good news is that even though we may not know how to get through these struggles, God does. John 16:33 says “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” 

Just like how we train physically and mentally for the scary moments while surfing, we can grow our trust in the Lord so that when life throws scary moments at us, we can have peace and comfort in God. Isaiah 26:3 says “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” When we put in the time with God and deepen our relationship with Him, we begin to see all the ways that he is trustworthy and all the ways He holds us and takes care of us. Just how we can be confident in proper preparation for big waves, we can have peace and confidence in God through life’s challenges!