Riding Waves of Faith: Continuing Our Journey in Christ's Love
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, as we continue our spiritual journey along the sun-kissed shores of Malibu, let us dive deeper into the ocean of God's infinite love. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore reminds us of the constant, rhythmic presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
As we stand on the edge of the Pacific, gazing out at the horizon where sea meets sky, we're reminded of Psalm 139:9-10: "If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Just as the vast ocean before us knows no bounds, so too is God's love limitless and ever-present.
The Malibu surf culture teaches us valuable lessons about faith. Just as surfers patiently wait for the perfect wave, we too must cultivate patience in our spiritual lives. James 1:3-4 tells us, "because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Each wave of challenge that comes our way is an opportunity to strengthen our faith and draw closer to Christ.
As we root for each other and watch each other grow, we embody the spirit of Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Our community of believers is like the kelp forests that thrive beneath the Malibu waves - interconnected, supporting each other, and moving in harmony with the currents of God's will.
The changing tides remind us that life is full of ebbs and flows, but God's love remains constant. As Lamentations 3:22-23 beautifully states, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Each sunrise over Point Dume is a testament to God's renewed mercies and unwavering presence in our lives.
Let us be like the resilient coastal flora that thrives in the salty air and sandy soil. These plants teach us to bloom where we're planted, to find nourishment even in challenging environments. As Paul writes in Philippians 4:11-13, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
As we continue to grow in faith, let us remember the words of 2 Peter 3:18, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." Our spiritual growth is not a destination but a journey, much like the endless cycles of waves that shape and reshape the Malibu coastline.
In the spirit of Malibu's laid-back vibe, let us cast our anxieties upon the Lord, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Just as the ocean absorbs and dissipates the energy of the waves, God's love absorbs our worries and fears, replacing them with His perfect peace.
As we walk along the shore, leaving footprints in the sand, we're reminded of the famous "Footprints" poem. In times when we see only one set of footprints, we can trust that it's then that the Lord carries us. This truth echoes Isaiah 46:4, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
Let us continue to be salt and light in this world, just as Malibu's salty air and radiant sunlight permeate everything they touch. Matthew 5:13-14 reminds us, "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world." May our lives season the world with Christ's love and illuminate the path for others to find Him.
As the sun sets once again over the Pacific, painting the sky in glorious hues, we're reminded of God's artistry and the beauty of His creation. Let this daily spectacle be a call to worship, echoing the words of Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
Beloved, as we continue to ride the waves of faith together, may we always keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). For in Him, we find the ultimate wave - the eternal flow of divine love that carries us through this life and into eternity.
Let us pray together, with the rhythm of the waves as our background chorus: "Lord, like the ocean before us, may your love flow endlessly in our lives. Shape us, mold us, and use us for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Surf's up, dear ones. Let's catch the wave of God's grace and ride it into tomorrow and beyond. The best is yet to come, for "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Mitchell Royel