A Walk by the Water
by
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Tunnel Light
Probably the most difficult single thing for a surfer to describe to a non-surfer is the sensation we experience riding inside the barrel of a wave. Trying to explain the goal of tube riding becomes amusing when you recognize the irony: A surfer exerts himself to get inside the barrel of a wave just so he can work on his escape back out. When asked how he became a great tube rider, World Champion Kelly Slater replied that he simply had to learn to overcome the urge to bail off his board even when he thought that he really had no chance of coming out of the barrel. He said that earlier in his surf career he would often jump off when he felt a wave was closing out on him only to see the wave had opened up again after he had left his feet.
We can all struggle with our faith in God when dark times start to cloud our vision. When our lives start to cave in around us, it is easy to grow impatient and become tempted not to wait on God’s deliverance. But if you are a Christian surfer, the parallel of riding inside the barrel and our journey through life should become apparent. As we continue our walk with God, we will be able to look back and see all the times that God got us through the low points in our lives. By remembering this when future problems arise, we’ll see there’s no reason to bail out on our faith because we will indeed make it to that Light at the end of the tunnel.
It Is Written:
Ps. 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”(NIV)
More Scriptures To Help You Stay Grounded: Ps. 30:5; Prov. 3:5; John 9:5
Lord, Thank you for allowing us to experience tube rides and for teaching us great spiritual lessons from the things we experience in everyday life. Help us through the hard times to stay focused on you and remind us that you will help see us through- Thank you for knowing that one day we will be delivered out of this problem filled world and into the light of your presence.
In Jesus Name-
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About the Book
Most of us imagine that God is extremely distant, sitting somewhere on the edge of the universe. In our attempts to talk to Him, we somehow think of dialing a long-distant number with hopes of a good connection. Because we can not physically see God, it is hard to comprehend that God is actually right here and standing beside us. And the fact that He is right beside you and I should help us to realize that it is He who is trying to speak to us.
The concept of A Walk by the Water came to life when author Billy Barnard became conscious of the things God was showing him while surfing. His experiences with the ocean took on a whole new dimension, becoming more fulfilling as he realized that God was indeed speaking to him through his deep passion for chasing waves. By sharing the author’s journey through this devotional format, the hope is that whether you’re at the beach or at a bus stop, your own journey will be enriched and you will become more in tune with what the Spirit is saying to you.
About the Author
Billy Barnard, the author of A Walk by the Water, grew up in
According to the author, the revelation that “God still had loved me and taken care of me even after all I had done wrong” was the turning point in his life and the day He surrendered his life to Christ. Billy Barnard’s life has been forever impacted by the love and grace of Jesus and his desire now is to share the hope and joy that comes from knowing God.
Billy Barnard has written free-lance advertisements as well as articles for Horizon Magazine and is currently
working on a fiction novel. He lives in
contact the author, email him at billybarnard@cox.net and type A Walk by the Water in the subject line.