God's Coaching #360

God's Coaching #360

Surf’s up. Actually, surf is way, way up! Every winter since 1986, dozens of surfers meet at Waimea Bay in northern Oahu for a big-wave surfing contest in Hawaii called the “Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau.” Big-wave surfing is not for the faint of heart. It differs from traditional surfing because big-wave surfers tackle waves 20 feet or higher. It’s a thrill ride—literally. At the 2009 “Eddie” tournament, 26-year-old Greg Long of California won first place for his masterful surfing of waves up to 50 feet high!

Still, that’s child’s play compare d to what some of the world’s most daring surfers try. In January 2008, a group of surfers raced 105 miles off Southern California to catch what was believed at the time to be the largest waves ever ridden—storm-produced swells estimated at nearly 85 feet. That’s higher than an eight-story building! To catch waves that big, surfers must be towed by jet ski to the wave’s breaking point, where they release the towline and drop into the wave. While big-wave surfing provides an incomparable adrenaline rush, it can also be deadly. Wipeouts can send a surfer dozens of feet below the surface, where he or she can drown or be slammed into the ocean floor. In December 2007, California surfer Peter Davi died while riding 40-foot waves at Pebble Beach, California. Similar big-wave surfing deaths have occurred at other locations in California and Hawaii over the years. Hang ten if you must, but hang on for dear life!

What’s the Score?

The ocean is an incredibly powerful part of nature. But guess what? The ocean, as awesome and devastating as it can be, is completely under God’s control.

As the almighty Creator of the universe, God governs the waves, the wind, and all forces of nature. He is in charge of rain, thunder, and lightning. He rules over tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. He tells the mountains how high they can reach and the seas how far they can stretch. He tells the sun when to rise and set. He keeps the stars in their places and the planets in orbit. He is an awesome God who rules over all creation!

On the Ball

Look into the sky on a clear night, consider God’s awesome power in ruling the universe, and give him praise!

Coach’s Comment

You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves. Psalm 89:9