Keep Swimming

After a slow start to summer, it's full-on swimming weather.  Yeah!

For me to really enjoy swimming, the weather needs to be at least in the 90's.  Then I'm willing to get in the water and splash around.  But when the air is cold, even if the pool is heated, I'm not a fan.

So, I guess I'm saying, I want everything perfect.  However, life is not always going to give us the perfect weather, with the perfect water temperature.  After all we live in Michigan! 

In 2003, Disney introduced a great animated picture called Finding Nemo.  For the few people in the world who may not know anything about this movie, Nemo is a little fish that gets lost and his father goes on a desperate search to find him.   

The father battles through his own personal fears and every obstacle that gets in his way on this mission--to find his lost son.  

Humm?  This story sounds a bit like a Bible parable.  

In the Nemo movie, there is a little blue fish that befriends Nemo's father, Marlin.  Her name is Dory, and she sings this song in the movie called Just Keep Swimming.  

There are only a few lines in the entire song.  In this catchy little tune, the song title is repeated over and over again. 

The little fish, Dory, attempts in her clumsy way to encourage Nemo's father by singing this song.  

Just Keep Swimming

Just Keep Swimming

Just Keep Swimming

In my life, there has been occasions where I could have used a Dory singing to me.  Someone to spur me on when things seem bleak--Keep Swimming.  Someone with an awesome and cheerful disposition--Keep Swimming.  Someone who is resilient when I am gruff or impatience--Keep Swimming.  

Sometimes we are fortunate enough to have a Dory in our life and sometimes we're not.  But we will always have God's word.  The powerful truth of the Bible is there to spurs us on, gives us encouragement and the Word is steadfast whatever our situation may be.

In Hebrews 12:1, God's Word says, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” 

I think the Message Bible may say--Just Keep Swimming.  (Not really, I made that up.)  But the principle of perseverance in the race and just keep swimming sound similar.  

You may be facing some difficulties today, and you may feel like giving up.  But don't.  Here is what The Message Bible actually says in Hebrews 12:2-3.   

Keep your eyes on Jesus, 

who both began and finished this race we’re in. 

Study how he did it. 

Because he never lost sight of where he was headed

—that exhilarating finish in and with God

—He could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. 

And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. 

When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, 

go over that story again, 

item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. 

That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

...Just Keep Swimming!