Faith

Hold On

by Julie Blackman 
03/30/21
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“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV).

Florence Chadwick was renowned for being the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions. In 1952, she attempted her first swim from Catalina Island to the California coast. During the swim, an intense fog descended, which significantly reduced visibility. Florence swam for 15 hours and gave up a mile away from the destination¹.

Later, when speaking with a reporter, she said, “Look, I’m not excusing myself. But if I could have seen land, I might have made it².”

I can only imagine how she must have felt when she realized how close she was to land before giving up. A couple of months later, she attempted the swim again from Catalina. And once again, a fog descended, but this time she was determined to finish, no matter what. Not only did she finish, but she also broke a speed record².

At times it may seem as though life has dealt us a hand of thick fog. We cannot see ahead, and each step we take must be a step of faith. Sometimes we may even veer off the path. But with God as our compass, we can get back on track and stay the distance. How? With Christ (Philippians 4:13, NKJV). Jesus will give us the strength. Purpose in your heart to keep the faith. So, even though sometimes we may feel like nothing is happening, and ask did God hear my prayer? Remember that God's timing is perfect. Just hold on a little longer.

We cannot risk missing out on what God has in store for us all because we cannot see in front of us. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV) says, “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” So, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23, NKJV).

Sources:

¹ Florence Chadwick. Wikipedia.org. Florence Chadwick - Wikipedia. Accessed March 30, 2021.

² Florence Chadwick II. Bible.org. https://bible.org/illustration/florence-chadwick-ii. Accessed March 30. 2021.