Faith in Film 4, Soul Surfer

We all go through tough times in life, and how we respond to those tough times is a real test of faith. The movie "Soul Surfer" tells the story of Bethany Hamilton, who at 13-years-old seemed to be on the cusp of doing great things in the surf world. Her dream, goal, and singular vision seemed to be focused on becoming a professional surfer.

Then, on Oct. 31, 2003, while she was floating off the coast of Hawaii, all that changed. A shark took off most of her left arm, and she would never be the same. But Bethany Hamilton didn't give in to feelings of grief, woe, or sorrow, she turned to God. And God met all her fears and concerns, and God blazed a bright path for her as only He can do.

What I love about Bethany's story is how real it is, and how real it is on film. Too often in Christian films we verge on the prosperity Gospel. A character endures a challenge, prays, and all their problems are magically solved. As Christians, we know it doesn't work like that. And it shouldn't be portrayed like that because it gives the world the impression that once you have faith in God life is all smooth sailing.

It isn't, but that doesn't mean that God isn't looking out for us. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." If we have faith to live into that promise, that can offer us the hope to endure difficult times.

It also helps if you can change your perspective. For Bethany Hamilton, that came from going on a missions trip to Thailand shortly after a deadly Tsunami. That trip opened her eyes to loss and suffering in a new way, and really made her grateful for all the blessings the Lord had given her. That paradigm shift is what she needed to have the strength and courage to find a new way forward, to embrace all the Lord laid out for her.

One of my favorite writers in the Bible is the Apostle Paul. It is simply impossible for me to imagine being a Christian without the beautiful, inspiring writings of Paul. And what makes it more compelling, to me, is considering the context from which he offered these words that endure through the centuries. Romans 8:24-28 says, “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

There are a couple things that really stick out to me there. First, I love the idea that God knows what we need, and He is working to provide it, even when we don't know what to ask for. He is able to answer even our groans. I find that incredibly comforting, especially during those times when we simply don't know what to pray for.

And second, I love the hopefulness, the courage, and the strength of Paul's writing despite his circumstances. The book of Romans was written during a time when Christians faced immense persecution. Christians were burned as candles to please the Roman Emperor and slaughtered in the arena. Yet Paul offered such hopeful words to those who stood strong in the faith. It was doubtless a comfort then, and is certainly still a comfort today.

Bethany Hamilton is an example of living out our faith despite difficult circumstances. She was able to get perspective, lean into God for strength, and embrace the new path He laid out for her. She overcame her obstacles, achieved her dreams, and remains a positive role model and inspiration for us all.