FOGGED IN

I read the other day the story of Florence Chadwick, who in July of 1952 waded into the waters on a foggy morning at Catalina Island. Her objective was to swim across the channel to the mainland of Southern California. This swim was not that much of a challenge for Chadwick had been the first woman ever to swim the English Channel in both directions.

Unfortunately, on this day, having lost sight of the land because of the fog, Chadwick decided to give up. As it turned out, she was only half a mile from reaching her goal. She was not exhausted or cold. But, because the fog had obscured her vision from the intended goal she quit. Then, some two months later, on a clear day, Florence Chadwick attempted the same challenge — and this time succeeded, setting a new speed record, because she was able to keep her eye on the goal.

As Christ-followers, we have a goal: to follow Jesus, to become like Him, to love and serve Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. But how often do we encounter the challenge of discipleship finding ourselves fogged-in by the world and its pressures? I’m afraid too many of us have chosen to give up pursuing the goal because we become distracted by fog — the fog of busyness, of career, of material pursuits, of self-interest. We will all experience foggy days, spiritually speaking. Don’t quit. Persevere. Do your best to keep your eyes focused on Jesus who waits with reward in hand, at the finish line. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 3:14

This reminds me of the words to an old hymn I love written by H.H. Lemmel,

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face;

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

With the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in your life blow away the world’s fog. Fix your eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

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