Living on the Other Side of Fear by Matt BromleySýnishorn

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE FACE OUR FEAR?

What I learned from storm-chasing big waves

As a professional big-wave surfer, I get to experience the front lines of fear fairly often.

One particular storm-chase, I woke up to the biggest swell to ever hit Indonesia.

It was still dark and I could make out that the waves were breaking through the village!

I knew today was going to be a historic day of surfing.

As the sun came up, I saw massive surges of water exploding over the shallow rock shelf. It seemed that it was beyond anyone’s ability.

Suddenly a few brave surfers paddled out and I thought: Oh no, now I’ve gotta get out there too.

I paddled into the line-up, and I’ve rarely seen that much energy. Most of the waves were too violent to catch.

Each time a set of huge waves rolled in, a pack of the world’s best big-wave surfers just let them go by because they were too scared.

I paddled for a few waves and pulled back, paddled for a few more and pulled back. I just couldn’t throw myself over the edge and commit.

Then I went and sat way beyond the backline, and I prayed… “Lord, you have brought me here for a reason and a purpose. Come on. Give me the courage to paddle into one of the beasts. Calm my racing heart…give me peace… let’s do this!”

Shortly after this, an incredible-looking swell of water marched in. I felt this was the ONE!

I paddled in and the crowd of surfers started hooting for me. As I popped up to my feet, the bottom of the wave dropped away, and I free-fell all the way down – disconnected from my surfboard.

At the bottom, it felt as if the Lord put the board under my feet, as I reconnected with the board and then pulled up into the barrel of my life.

That session changed the trajectory of my career. I paddled into the biggest wave caught at this historical place called Nias and got front-cover pictures and coverage around the world.

I really believe that when we step out in faith for Him, He will put that board under our feet.

But for some reason, God first asks us to trust Him, to face the fear, to paddle in and take the drop… and then He catches us… and that’s when we step into our PURPOSE.

When I choose to take the drop on these waves, I feel His pleasure on me. And I have this incredible sense of purpose, as I know that He has created me for this.

When I step out in faith, my purpose comes alive.

WHEN WE FACE OUR FEAR, OUR PURPOSE COMES ALIVE!

Questions/Reflections

1.Have you ever felt a sense of purpose on the other side of your fear?

2.Where is God calling you to paddle in and take the drop?