Bethany Hamilton trusts God’s plan 21 years after shark attack

Published: November 5, 2024

Bethany Hamilton continues to trust in God’s plan 21 years after the shark attack

By Movieguide® Contributor

Surfer Bethany Hamilton reflected on how her faith saw her through the loss of her arm 21 years later and reminded others to “be thankful” in their own difficult times.

“21 years ago … The most impactful event of my life losing (sic) my arm to a shark. Yet so much beauty has come from this moment,” Hamilton wrote in an Instagram post. “Today is a reminder to be grateful for life and how precious each day is.”

Hamilton lost her arm when she was 13 years old in a shark attack.

“Many people could look at the 2003 event as a great setback and tragedy for me… But I believe God has had so much beauty in the wake of this event!” she explained. “From childhood to motherhood, I am so grateful for life and the many challenges and goodness that have come along the way!”

She shared that, while she didn’t immediately “wake up in the hospital thinking I was invincible and going back to surfing,” encouragement from friends, as well as a change in mindset, convinced her to get back on the board. .

“This was done in courage and this was done in faith,” Hamilton wrote. “And I’m so glad I was willing to give one-arm surfing my best shot! Now I get to surf with my 4 beautiful kids and pass on the love. This is such a joy!”

She continued, “My biggest rock through it all has been God and the faith He has given me. In the midst of the pain and the many challenges, God has carried me in ways I can’t quite describe. But certainly with a steady peace, hope and joy that I have not found anywhere else.”

“So my message to each of you is… REMEMBER when you have ‘Shark Attack’ or wiped out moments in life, Hamilton concluded. “I hope you are willing to try, choose to be grateful even in the difficult the moments, adapt, live in faith that God has overcome all and move on to give life your best shot! You too CAN OVERCOME!”

Hamilton often talks about how her faith helped her overcome her fear of getting back on the surfboard.

In an interview with Christianity Today, she says said“There were frustrating times and times of uncertainty. But it wasn’t like shaking my fist; it’s a bit much. But I just returned to the basics: Lord, what do you want me to do? Like, with one arm I know I can surf, but competitive surfing can be really frustrating, and sometimes you don’t do as well as you want. It can be frustrating at times. But when I get frustrated, I just focus on God.”

The surfer also shares his faith on social media and encourages followers to find strength in their relationship with God.

“Whoever needs to hear this… God has the world in the palm of his hand,” Hamilton wrote in a post. “So all our worries and anxieties, that we get burdened, is a call and reminder to look to Him, to pray, to hope in Jesus above and beyond the chaos!!! There will always be trouble… There will be be difficulties… but God is good ALL THE TIME! And God has prevailed!!!”