Surf Sessions - Episode II

Introducing our new weekly series entitled; Surf Sessions.

During these turbulent times, we wanna encourage and keep your froth levels high! Many countries around the world are under complete lockdown and that has a huge impact on not only the economy and our ability to create an income but also as surfers, our happiness cause we can't shred.

Surf Sessions will be a series where we encourage all to look heavenward, to focus on Jesus and not the storm which rages around us. Because there has never been a better time to be a follower of Christ than in times of trouble!

Enjoy this week’s episode of Surf Sessions by Richard Ellerington from the Surf Church Collective.

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL

Hey everyone - a big hello from the Ellerington family. We are currently locked down with Roy and Sharon Harley and their kids in South Africa. 

Sadly no surfing for us here but we can still make a BBQ…..sorry a Braai together! 

I want to encourage you with the simple truth that even though things seem out of control today, that in fact, God is still very much in control of everything. 

As the world struggles with the explosion of COVID-19 pandemic and countries try to deal with this threat, it's natural to think about the economic impact of what it will mean globally and individually. It's easy to come to the conclusion that things are out of control! 

We are all facing some terrifying questions:

 How will ministries continue?

 How will life be affected by this situation?

 How will our family unit be affected?

 How will I pay the bill?

 Will I still have a job?

 How are things going to work out in the coming months? 

It can feel like things are very much out of control right now! 

But I want to remind you of a fantastic scripture that will make a difference during this moment we face 

Proverbs 3: 5-6 says

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart

     and lean not on your own understanding;

 in all your ways submit to him,

    and he will make your paths straight."

What I love about this scripture is that it is instructing me to place my whole heart into Gods hands - I need to trust him with everything. Every part of me needs to trust him with every part of my life. 

It says that we should not lean upon my own understanding. I have so many plans being worked out in my head at the moment, trying to make sense of what is happening. Trying to find a way through the crisis, trying to find a rescue plan. 

But this passage tells me to put my whole trust in Him! It's not a bad idea to be working things out, using our brains to chart a course and lead through this situation. But if we look at what is happening around the world just through the eyes of our personal humanity, then we can quickly become despairing of the situations.

To Quote an ancient Hymn

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus' name

On Christ the solid Rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand 

With Jesus, we can look to the future through the lens of faith and hope. 

A few years ago, I was travelling to Costa Rica through Panama with my good friend Andy Frost to film a new episode of "The adventures of the Ginger Vicar and the Balding Bishop."  Andy had taken charge of the wheel and was driving us on a 10-hour marathon road trip. His driving is terrible, truly the worst driver I have ever known. The whole trip I was on edge, feeling stress, desperate to take over the wheel and get control of the car. 

Life right now for many of us feels like someone else is driving the car. But the truth is God is still in charge of all things. We need to zoom out of the problems we face today and remind ourselves of the big picture……God is great, God is bigger than any problem we face, God is in charge of all things! This helps us step away from the fear that this situation creates and helps us put our trust in him - he is exceedingly more significant than this COVID -19 pandemic we are all facing. 

God is in charge of your life, your future, he is still providing for you as a family. Don't look at the situation with fear in your heart - look at the greatness of God, and he will make your paths straight! 

Have a great day, seize the opportunities that God sends to you and know that he is with you. 

Blessing from us. 

And as Roy says ….see you in the lineup soon!