Break Barriers and Transform Your Life: Faith-Based Mindset Coaching Through Real-Life Adventures
- Andrea Ruth Walker
- Jun 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 15
Breaking Barriers, Transform your Life: A Paddle Boarding Adventure of Faith and Strength
Have you ever faced a challenge so overwhelming that it felt like you were riding the waves of a storm? Let me share a personal story that taught me the true power of faith and perseverance.
So, paddle boarding is NOT surfing and if you ever wondered if you can ride a series of Ocean white
caps on your paddle board.. In short the answer is NO. But of course if your name is Andréa Ruth Walker, you can always try.
After a number of paddle boarding days, I got a lot more confident on the waves and one day, I decided to see if I could ride a series of white caps back to the shore.
Riding the Waves of Life: Lessons from a Paddle Boarding Experience
I was about a mile off shore and paddled deeper until I was in front of the line of white caps. Super focused on the idea of riding them with one hand on the handle of the middle of the board up on my knees.
First wave was INCREDIBLE!!! I was yelling my fool head off and having the time of my life.
The things I did not consider
* the space between the waves versus my 9.5 foot paddle board
* why there were white caps in this particular spot
* rip tides
* and my habit of coming up with stupid
Psalm 107:29-30 (ESV) - God Calms the Storm:
He made the storm to be still and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.
Faith in the Midst of the Storm: Trusting God Through Life’s Challenges
As I started to ride the second wave, I looked back and saw a huge wave coming down on the back of my board.
Under she goes, turned around multiple times and finally I came up just in time to take a breath and do it all again.
The second time I came up for breath, the question of my last day came to my mind. Not feeling panicked or hurt by the reef, I had the sensation that I had enough strength to swim a mile. So, I prayed.... God and all my Guardian Angel's, please bring me back my board when I get to shore...
She was about 600 feet from me and drifting fast.
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV) - God's Protection Through Water:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you: and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Power of Prayer and Perseverance in Difficult Times
I did make it back and I will say that the last 100 feet where the hardest I ever swam.
Thirsty and without water I walked 45 minutes down the beach to join my paddle board. I tracked her trek across the Bay. The ocean had spit me up like a wet Sandy dog but my board floated to shore and she landed like it was No Big Deal.. The endorphin rush was so intense, that feeling I Am grateful to God for giving me the strength to get back to shore!
This experience reminded me of how we often face life’s challenges—unprepared and overwhelmed, but with faith, we can break through barriers and emerge stronger.
Matthew 14:29-31 (NIV) - Peter Walking on Water:
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'"
Gratitude and Strength: Finding God’s Presence in Every Journey
As you navigate your own life's waves, remember that with faith and perseverance, no obstacle is too great. How can you lean on your faith to overcome your current challenges and transform your life?
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