Swim the last half mile ∙

Swim the last half mile ∙

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. – Colossians 3:17

Ephesians 5:8-20

8 Live as children of light

14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.

16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In 1952, a young and determined Florence Chadwick plunged into the Pacific Ocean’s icy waters off Catalina Island with her sights set on reaching the California mainland. She was no stranger to such feats, having already made history as the first woman to swim across the English Channel in both directions. On that day, however, the weather was far from ideal – a chilly fog hung heavy, obscuring her view of the accompanying boats. Yet, undeterred, she swam on for an exhausting fifteen hours.

Despite her determination, there were moments when she begged to be taken out of the water. Her mother, present in a nearby boat, encouraged her to keep going, assuring her that the shore was within reach. Eventually, overcome by physical and emotional fatigue, she stopped swimming and was pulled out. It was then that she discovered how close she had been to her destination – less than half a mile away.

At a press conference the following day, she said, “All I could see was the fog . . .. I think if I could have seen the shore, I would have made it” (Randy Alcorn).

This story serves as a metaphor for our lives in this dark and fallen world, often shrouded in a miasma of deceptive fog. This gloomy, specious haze distorts our perception, subsequently affecting our thought processes and emotions.

2 Corinthians 11:14 Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

The Scriptures serve as a guide, providing basic life principles that are applicable to real-life situations. It is incumbent upon us to devote our lives to learning these principles and purpose to live them out. A broad, all-inclusive principle of life is that our words and actions are reflective of the Lord Jesus Christ.

When faced with uncertainty about how to respond to circumstances, Paul advised us to simply ask ourselves what behavior would be appropriate for one identified with Christ (Constable).

When we face difficulties and pray, seeking the will of the Father, a persistent pattern emerges. Rather than the Father changing our circumstances, He uses our circumstances to change us.

The Father sometimes uses the prayers of the children of the King in ways we do not expect. Often, He uses our prayers to teach us and help us grow to maturity. When we finally realize this, it is transformational.

Effective prayer is the channel through which a two-way connection is established between us and the Father, the living God. Prayer is a vital conduit through which the Father’s remarkable life force flows. We simply receive and embrace His delightful kindness, goodness, and love.

The Father is at work within our hearts. His method of choice is to transform us from the inside out. He utilizes a unique and marvelous combination of gentle, loyal, and tough love.

REFLECT & PRAY

Paul’s words remind us that no part of our lives is left untouched by his guidance. With the all-encompassing phrase “whatever you do, whether in word or deed,” he urges us to bring every action and conversation under the light of Christ (Melick). It’s an invitation to live intentionally, aligning every part of our being with His glory.

Father, so often, life’s challenges feel overwhelming, and I find myself losing focus. Renew my heart and my purpose. Teach me to reflect the character of the Lord Jesus Christ in everything I say and do.

INSIGHT

When we become children of the King, the chains of our past are broken. The anchors of old mistakes and failures no longer hold us in bondage.
We are set free, yet the enemy takes pleasure in reminding us. He whispers accusations filled with shame and guilt. “How could you have done that?” he taunts. “Look at the mess you’ve made. And you dare to call yourself a child of God?”

But the Father’s voice tells a different story. His words are full of compassion and truth, gently reminding us of our freedom. Over and over, He reassures us that we are not defined by who we once were. Through Jesus Christ, we are made new. Day by day, He is renewing our minds, shaping us to reflect His Son more and more.

These contrasting voices are always present—one brings condemnation, and the other brings hope. The choice of which to listen to rests with us. Will we lean into the enemy’s lies or trust the truth of God’s promises? The beautiful truth is that we are no longer captives of our past. The Father has given us everything we need to face life’s challenges with courage and faith.

The Father is devoted to us and faithfully stands with us, guiding and empowering us to endure, no matter the obstacles. We can take heart in the promise found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.

No temptation is too great, no trial insurmountable, for God will always provide a way through. We have been freed, and in Him, we can confidently move forward.

Three things about temptation are abundantly clear. First, it is a constant presence in the life of every child of the King. Second, the trials we face are not unique—they are challenges others have encountered, endured, and conquered before us. Third, in every moment of temptation, our faithful Father provides both a way to escape and the strength to persevere (Barclay).

The Father’s faithfulness is unwavering. We can trust Him completely. He never leaves us to face temptation alone. He is always with us, steadying us through every trial. Temptations can be compared to gas-powered lawnmowers. Eventually, they simply ran out of gas and stop. And long before they do, our Father stands ready to empower us to endure and overcome.

How can He offer both escape and endurance at the same time? He opens paths for us to exit temptation while also giving us the inner strength to hold firm throughout the test.

The Greek word ekbasis, meaning “a way out,” paints a vivid picture. It describes an “escape route—a narrow mountain pass where a seemingly trapped army suddenly finds a path to safety.” This is the promise the Father gives us. No temptation is too strong to overcome, for He faithfully provides a way, not for retreat or surrender, but for victory through His strength and grace (Barclay).

It is incumbent upon us to find the way out and choose to finish, fog and all. Indeed, we can make it through the final mist-obscured half-mile. Through the eyes of faith, we are able to see the end goal through the mist.

Through His provision and grace, we are not just meant to survive temptation; we are called to be lights in the darkness.“God intends that His children act as beacons of light in a dark world, as lighthouses showing the way to spiritual safety for those about to sink into the abyss” (Stanley).

¯_(ツ)_/¯ 8-07-1

© Dr. H 2025