Surfing Uncertainty

When in a crisis, it’s a good idea to consult someone who has survived a few. Actor Alan Alda, 87–of T.V. show M*A*S*H fame–was asked in a 2020 interview how optimistic he was for his children and grandchildren’s future. Here’s what he told AARP magazine:

With the world changing so rapidly, there’s no point in being optimistic or pessimistic about anything. You’ve just got to surf uncertainty, because it’s all we get.

Alan Alda

Wow, that’s a wise way to look at life! But how do you surf uncertainty? Does this idea come with lessons?

We need only look to scripture for the answer.


Think of all the famous Bible heroes who successfully dealt with difficult circumstances. Many of these are mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, the Hall of Faith. These ladies and gentlemen surfed uncertainty, just as Alan Alda advises, and we know how they did it.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (emphasis mine)

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

We see this scripture in live action when the apostle Peter went surfing with Jesus–well, kinda sorta (Matthew 14:22-31). Remember the story? Peter walked on the water to meet Christ, but started to sink when he realized he was riding a huge wave; he took his eyes off Jesus and almost whiped-out. But, just for a moment, our fisherman friend was surfing–with God!

Kind reader, the world only offers two options: sink or swim. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can walk on the top with Him.

Surf’s Up!

Thanks for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love


Portions of this post appeared here on August 29, 2020.


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33 responses to “Surfing Uncertainty”

  1. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Great point, Matt! God’s plan is perfect. Our interpretation of His plan is not. Thank you for shedding light on approaching this story from another angle.

    Like

  2. jesusluvsall Avatar

    The uncertainty is only on our part. On Jesus’s part, there is never uncertainty in our lives. Spending time in prayer is how we connect to him but we still feel uncertain. So often I need to remind myself of what Jesus said about when The Father knows what we need- Before We Ask.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks, Beth. I grew up watching MASH with my dad, too! How true that we wouldn’t have much success “God-Surfing” without divine help. It’s too easy to forget that apart from Him we can do nothing. Blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Beth Alisan Avatar

    Oh how I remember watching MASH as a kid with my Dad. Their shenanigans would get him to laughing which in turn would have the rest of us in stitches. I couldn’t help thinking how Alan Alda’s answer sounded so good that I didn’t realize at first that it didn’t come with any how to tips. Thank you David for turning us to the Bible and its clear how to tip- fix Your eyes on Jesus. Without that “surfing uncertainty” would certainly end disastrously.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, brother. Leadership has always been a goal of mine, but I sometimes haven’t felt confident about it. His grace is sufficient!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. The Devotional Guy™ Avatar

    I’ll be praying for your potential new gig, David. You’d be awesome at it, no doubt.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes, we have two more weeks of school and then summer is here. However, I’m serving as a summer school principal for the month of June. I had an interview last week for an assistant principal position starting next fall. Waiting to hear if I got the job. Thanks for reading and commenting, brother. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. The Devotional Guy™ Avatar

    Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus! Amen! Another groovy post, brother. We definitely live in uncertain times. I love the Alan Alda quite. Lately, I’ve taken up watching old M*A*S*H reruns again, something I haven’t done regularly in quite some time. Pray your week is good and filled with blessings. I’m guessing the semester is almost over and soon it will be time to enjoy your Summer break? Blessings.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. davidsdailydose Avatar

    You’re welcome, Nicola. Thank you for reading and commenting.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. seeingliketheeagle Avatar

    Great post David. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes indeed, Bridget! Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Amen. You’re welcome, and thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!

    Like

  13. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I like your thinking, Gary. You always manage to shed more light on a subject, and do it from a biblical perspective. Thank you doe stopping by.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Gary Fultz Avatar

    That’s a practice practice practice discipline. I guess I can’t say it’s a skill on our part to ride as without him we can do nothing. I really like the idea of staying in the boat but if Jesus is out on the waves calling it’s safer out there

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Don't Lose Hope Avatar

    There is no better advice for surfing uncertainty than keeping our eyes on Jesus, trusting our future to Him, and looking to him to be our rock and strength. Thanks for sharing this David.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Bridget A. Thomas Avatar

    Amen! Thank you for the much needed reminder to keep our eyes on Jesus, and He will keep us above the waves! 🙌🤍🙏

    Liked by 1 person

  17. davidsdailydose Avatar

    So true! It’s just my way to say God Bless You.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. ladysheepdog Avatar

    I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. You’re welcome. Thank you, He won’t give any less to us. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  19. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I need to give it a listen. Thanks for reading and sharing. God’s best to you.

    Like

  20. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, my brother. I am somewhat behind in my post reading. I plan to catch up this evening and tomorrow. Thank you for stopping. Bye God bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. ladysheepdog Avatar

    This post makes me think about Audio Adrenaline’s song Walk On Water.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Alan Kearns Avatar

    Yup…our Lord knows when surf is up and the best way to ride those waves of life. Excellent post David, thank you brother, God bless you and your family today 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

  23. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Gripping 10 sounds about right, brother! Thankfully, we’ve read the book. God wins.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Petrina. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Manette Kay. Self sufficiency will only take us so far. Jesus gives us a better option.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Amen, sister!

    Like

  27. God Still Speaks Avatar

    Keeping my eyes firmly planted on Jesus, especially when I’m riding a wave on my surfboard!

    Liked by 1 person

  28. musingsofmanettekay Avatar

    David, your conclusion keeps hope alive, “fix our eyes on Jesus, and we can walk on the top with Him.” That’s a true lifeline to grasp onto.

    Liked by 2 people

  29. Jeffrey H. King Avatar

    I like Alda’s imagery. Riding the wave, trying not to fall in. We at least have some prophecies that can help us have a wide view of how things will go. Honestly, I find myself usually “gripping 10” instead of “hanging 10.” 😊

    Liked by 2 people

  30. Petrina Avatar
    Petrina

    Amen! Wonderful reminder. When the only options seem to be sink or swim, God provides a way out. We can walk on top with him.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks, Andy B. I’m also grateful for the extra options God gives. Blessings, brother!

    Liked by 1 person

  32. BerryBunch.family Avatar

    “Kind reader, the world only offers two options: sink or swim. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can walk on the top with Him.”

    Wonderfully spoke brother!!

    I love the extra option God always provides for us.

    Andy B

    Liked by 1 person

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