Encouragement

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There is a wonderful story regarding the American, Florence Chadwick, who, in 1950, was the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions. In 1952, she attempted to swim the Catalina Channel, off the California coast but had to give up after 16 hours in the water because she was unable to see the fogbound coast of Catalina Island. To her dismay Florence discovered later that she had been a mere half mile away from achieving her goal.

Not one to be deterred she decided two months later to make another attempt, eventually succeeding despite the fact that once again there was heavy fog. The difference this time however, was although she still could not see where she was going she had unwavering faith in what she was doing and what her goal was.

There are many times in our lives when we have to take a step of faith. We do it when we move into a new house, or buy a new car, cross the road, or when we solemnly enter into a marriage. We feel good about what we are doing for it just seems the right thing to do. Yet we do not know if our decision is going to turn out right, or whether everything will go pear-shaped – we just have that faith that all will be well.

If we wish to seek inspiration from others there are many stories of courage and faith throughout history where someone has dared to go forward, not knowing what was on the other side, whether it be failure or victory. And there are many stories in the Bible where people have suffered terrible hardships, persecution, natural disasters, and yet still they have persisted.

Faith, we are told, is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. Faith is confidence, trust, reliance, conviction, and loyalty. Faith is the confident certainty in the truth of anything which is not based on absolute proof or evidence.

We must always believe and trust that the outcomes in life will outweigh all that we have endured. But only time will tell. Difficult though it may sometimes be we must learn to live without certainty, and not to become paralysed by disbelief and fear of the unknown. Life holds all kinds of possibilities, so be bold. Go forward in faith and with the certainty that you will rejoice in the outcome.

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