God's Coaching #327

God's Coaching #327

Surfers have a special way of honoring their friends and family members who die. It’s called a paddle out. The surfers paddle past the breaking waves into calmer water where they form a circle as they sit on their surfboards. Sometimes they hold hands while they share stories or pray. They might even scatter ashes of their loved one into the ocean.

In November 2010, thousands paddled surfboards, outrigger canoes, and other boats into the waters off Kauai, Hawaii, to honor Andy Irons. Even more stayed on the beach after a memorial service. Andy was a great surfer and a three-time world champion. He was only 32 when he died unexpectedly. Andy will be remembered as a fierce competitor who also had a big, giving heart. His paddle out was a reminder that many people will miss him, especially family and friends who lost him so suddenly.

What’s the Score?

Has someone you loved died? It really hurts, especially if that person’s death came tragically or unexpectedly. We feel comforted when the person who died was a Christian, because we know he or she is with Jesus in heaven. It helps to know he or she is free of any pain and enjoying eternal life. But it still hurts because we miss our friend or relative.

Death wasn’t part of God’s original plan. It didn’t exist in the Garden of Eden. It’s the worst effect of sin. Thankfully, Jesus overcame death and gave us a way to eternal life in him. For now we hope for that life to come. In the book of Isaiah, God promises to one day get rid of death once and for all (Isaiah 25:8). When Jesus sets up his new heaven and new earth, there won’t be any more sadness, crying, loss, separation, or death. There won’t be any more need for paddle outs either.

On the Ball

Lots of times it takes help and support from other people to deal with the death of a loved one. Talk with somebody if you’re facing that kind of loss. If not, pray for someone you know who is.

Coach’s Comment

He will swallow up death forever. The Lord and King will wipe away the tears from everyone’s face. He will remove the shame of his people from the whole earth. The LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:8 (nirv)