Waves
How do surfers know when the waves are picking up? There’s probably an official forecasting mechanism now, but ‘in the old days’ people probably watched the weather, currents, tides, and after awhile, they probably could just feel the energy in the water.
That’s the way I feel right now. I haven’t found the website that accurately tells me that God is sending some waves, but I’m feeling it in the water. It’s like a feeling in the air. You have to attribute the anticipation to providence – a stirring of your faith that he sends out in ripples. And when you feel them, you jump in the water with your board and start paddling out, anticipating the swell of water.
At the Vineyard (Athens, GA) we’re seeing an increase of spiritual activity. Several people have been outright healed, others have experienced the presence of God like never before (which is key, in my book. It’s his presence in our lives that is the key to the Christian life, you know, ‘Christ in me, the hope of glory’ . . .)
I also feel/hear the sound of battle approaching. Our enemy loses territory when God sends waves and people catch them. So he sets traps and resists. Those who bring their boards to the beach encounter traps – temptations and distractions. We have to join in, paddle out, exert energy to catch waves. If we’re distracted, we miss. If we’re not watching, we don’t know they’re here. If we trip, it hurts and we head inland. Satan wants us on the beach, at least, and completely away from the surf, if possible. The common theme is that his warfare against us will keep us from hitting the water, whether it comes through temptation, discouragement, distraction, busyness, etc. All of his tactics will take us out of the water, and cause us to miss what he is doing. If you get mad at someone and can’t forgive them, you’re not catching waves. If you are very successful in business to the point of distraction and time consumption, you’re out of the water. If you’re spending hours at a time engrossed in porn, you’re not part of the surf scene. If you’re convinced that God can’t use you or your gifts/talents, and don’t think you have anything to offer, you’re not paddling out waiting and looking. Satan will take you out of the surf in any way he can. And he’s good. He knows your weaknesses.
But I’ve been to the beach and seen people fall in the sand, get scraped up, and fail, but because they really want to surf, they get up and hurry on out to the water. People who do that are the ones who get to surf.
If you’re reading this, and you’re in Athens, I hope you’re feeling what I’m feeling. Surf’s up. Somethings up. I can feel the energy rising in the water. Let’s be a part of what Jesus is doing. And keep your eyes peeled for the traps.
Tags: gifts, Revival, spiritual awakening, waves
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August 5, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Kyle, I really like the metaphor of a wave for the things God is sending us. Since I am probably one the only surfers you know I would like to offer further insight into waves and surfing that could strengthen your vision of waves. For instance, surfers can see waves way out in the ocean by looking at the horizon; these waves may be miles out at see but when you learn to examine the horizon you can see them far off. When we see one of the bumps on the horizon, we think or yell set (surfers rarely surf alone) because there is never one wave amongst small waves. Instead, there is a set of at least two waves but usually 3 or 4, but up to six or more.
This is just one example of a surfer’s wave wisdom. When I see old surfers sitting out in the line-up (where waves break) many times I think of old bearded swami’s because they always look so wise and thoughtful as they examine the horizon. I would like to talk more about this if you are interested.
August 7, 2008 at 1:45 pm
[...] Catch a Wave Watching for the continual movings of a merciful God (or trying to figure out what God is doing). « Waves [...]