I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

NIV Psalm 32:8

Bethany Hamilton started surfing when she was a child and at eight entered the Rell Sun Menehune event on Oahu.  She won both the short and long board divisions. But at thirteen while out catching some waves with her friends in Kauai, Hawaii, she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark and lost her left arm.  Bethany was bleeding profusely as her friends rushed her out of the water and called 911.  Paramedics sped to her rescue and intercepted them on their way to the hospital.  At the medical center she underwent emergency surgery and fortunately survived even though she lost over 60% of blood.  Interestingly, one of the first things she asked afterward was, “When can I surf again?” 

Bethany was a Christian yet struggled to understand how that incident could be part of God’s plan for her.  She needed to find a new purpose after seemingly not being able to surf again, and she did.  While on a mission’s trip to Thailand with her church she was moved by the ravages of a tsunami disaster.  She was able to encourage a community of people to find their spirit again.  Back in Hawaii she took up surfing again and went on to become a professional and a champion.

You may be wondering what God’s will for your life is.  You may have suffered an unexplainable loss, you are at a crossroad or just want to be more effective for God.  The key is to listen.  Do you have the faith in God required to believe that He will see you through?  You may think you have an insignificant amount of faith.  However, God can work with even a little faith.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

NIV, Matthew 17:20

He has a purpose for your life, and it is imperative that you keep an open heart as you search to find it.  Your passion is not necessarily what you are paid to do but is certainly what you are made to do. Even if you talk with others for guidance, make sure you consistently seek God for His will for your life.  As the Psalmist said, He can instruct, teach, and counsel.

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Let Him Guide

by Jonathan O’Neil

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The Psalmist said the Lord was His shepherd

For without Him, he would stray and be conquered

But with God, he benefits in multiple ways

He will have food, water, and the right pathways,

Confidence even when there is danger

To blessings among haters, you would not be a stranger

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Start with faith, believing He has the ultimate plan

Even with mustard seed size, mountains await your command

He wants to be who you need and provide what you need

Trust Him as your source, He is a friend indeed