Read: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; James 1:2-6

"I’m not sure I can catch this wave,” Caleb yelled to his uncle as the ocean waves roared. The wind was getting stronger, and it was hard to hear. Dark clouds rolled in from above, blocking the sunshine. Caleb gripped the edges of his surfboard. This surfing lesson wasn’t going well. He wanted to do what his uncle taught him and stand up on his board and ride the wave, but it seemed impossible. “Uncle Luke, I’ve slipped three times, and my arms are exhausted from paddling! I don’t think I’m strong enough.”

Uncle Luke swam over to Caleb. “Let’s take a break, and then I’ll help you. I know it’s scary, but trust me—I’ve been surfing a long time and know what I’m doing. Can you do that?”

Caleb nodded. They bobbed on their boards for a minute before Uncle Luke continued. “You know, Caleb, life is hard sometimes, just like surfing. When scary doubts build up, or the winds blow and it’s hard to hear God’s voice, we can share our fears with Jesus. He wants us to have faith in Him instead of ourselves. He is perfect, and we can always trust Him because He gave His life to save us and promises He will never leave us.”

“Thanks for the reminder, Uncle Luke,” Caleb replied with a smile. “Sometimes life makes me feel even weaker and more exhausted than surfing does!”

“We all feel that way sometimes,” Uncle Luke said. “But when we look to Jesus to help us through hard times in life, the Holy Spirit strengthens us. Just like when I push you into the waves, hold onto your surfboard and look up, not down. Okay, ready to paddle?”

“Yeah!” Caleb replied. This time, he trusted his uncle’s advice and focused on that instead of his doubts. He paddled hard and slowly stood up in the air. He caught a wave!

Caleb popped out of the water with a smile, “Hey, Uncle Luke! Thanks for reminding me that I don’t have to doubt. When I’m afraid, I can trust in Jesus.”

–Grace Thomas

How about you?

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