Surfer Theory

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
Luke 24:49

I've only surfed a handful of times but I sure do have a huge appreciation for the sport and those who do it well. I remember the first time I stood up and rode a wave. It was an incredible experience of conformity and tranquility with a power much greater than myself. One thing I admire about surfers is their ability to wait expectantly.

Surfers understand their inability to create good waves. On the other hand, when the surf is good, they are ready to go at a moment's notice. Imagine two surfers on a flat-water day trying to kick waves toward one another with their feet. It's a pretty funny picture, but I think we can look just like that when we try to manipulate God's work in our lives.

What we are so quick to forget is this: God's nature is not transactional, it’s relational. It’s out of intimacy with our Heavenly Father that He empowers us to do His work. Intimacy with God precedes ministry, not the other way around. I pray that it would be the greatest desire of our hearts to simply be with our heavenly Father, to know him and to understand and experience his love for us as shown through Jesus. As we seek him, may we wait expectantly for his call and the overwhelming power of the Spirit, which may come at a moment's notice. When it does, may we enjoy the conformity and tranquility of participating in the work of our Maker.