“I don’t need easy, I just need possible."
One of my favorite quotes from the movie, Soul Surfer. Bethany’s journey after her accident didn’t make her weak, it made her stronger, not only in her strength, but in her faith as well.
“…It’s your life—what you gonna do? The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who your heart beats for It’s an open door It’s your life…”
(Francesca Battistelli)
Soul Surfer
The true and inspiring story of a young girl who through her encounter with a shark, had a life changing experience. Through it all, she didn’t let anything stand in her way. The process was difficult and the work was hard but through persistence and dedication, she overcame the odds and pushed through her fear to become even better than before. When Bethany learned to trust the process of her healing and rely on God’s strength instead of her own, she was able to do so much more.
Through these challenges, trials, and even wanting to quit Bethany kept right on doing what she was being called to do. She had an amazing support system with her family, friends, and church family who stood by her side and was there for her through the good and bad times.
When it comes down to these tough moments it’s our relationship and faith in Christ that gives us all the strength in the world to make it through anything we are facing.
Have you ever been through something you thought would change your entire world completely and your life would never be the same again?
Have you ever quit something because you kept failing at it?
What gives you the strength and motivation to keep going even when life’s circumstances get difficult and hard to manage?
Through out all of this Bethany was given the incredible opportunity to minister with World Vision in Thailand, she was able to reach out to a young child who was afraid to get back in the water after the tidal wave hit their country. When Bethany was afraid that she wasn’t going to be able to surf the same again, she eventually got back up again and again after falling. Then after several attempts she was able to stand back up on her board and ride out the waves of the ocean. Bethany followed her dreams and she wasn’t going to let anything get in her way.
As it says in Jeremiah 29:11, “for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I love the Bible story in 1 Samuel 17 of a boy who wasn’t very big, he wasn’t very strong, he was always picked last, and he wasn’t chosen first for anything. He was often overlooked by people in this world. Nothing stopped him from doing what God had called him to do. David persisted, he kept going, now his life was far from easy and he had tremendous challenges that tested his faith in God, he was far from perfect but when he stood strong with God by his side he was able to accomplish far more than he could ever do by himself. Even when I’m sure he stood against this giant, this Goliath, trembling at what was in front of him, David stood against his giant, facing his fears, and conquering what was set before him.
God is writing our story and our plans are in his hands, He knows what we are and who we are to be.
“I've learned life is a lot like surfing. When you get caught in the impact zone, you need to get right back up, because you never know what's over the next wave...…and if you have faith, anything is possible, anything at all.” Bethany Hamilton, Soul Surfer.
What’s over the next wave for you? What do you need to conquer? Knowing that God is there beside you in all you do, how can you strengthen your faith?Father God, Thank you for standing beside me. Thank you for loving me and always being there, providing a team around me of loved ones who are my biggest fans. When afraid, I put my trust in You! In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!
