Before the reflected sun off the water completely blinded me, I fixed my eyes and sense of direction on three shore-side buildings. Little did I know just how crucial having a focal point would be. Swimming solo through the sea, with the rest of my family paddling in nearby kayaks, I lost my initial confidence that the return trip to our Malyasian conference center would be as smooth as our trip out to the nearby island. 

With their kayaks now no longer visible, and unable to hear their chatter, I began to worry about my kids. What if a kayak flipped over and they got stuck upside down? Then I started to worry about myself. Was that mysterious blob that just brushed against my leg a jellyfish??? 

Stay focused, I reminded myself. Those buildings on the shore haven’t moved. You’re going in the right direction, so don’t give in to fear. 

As I blindly paddled my way through that mucky water, I thought about how much I preferred the cleanness and safety of a swimming pool. I thought about how, instead of panicking, I could pray for my own and my kids’ safety. I thought about how important it was for me to have a focal point: a practical reminder of my constant need to fix my eyes on Jesus. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)  

There’s an unshakeable kind of confidence that comes when we focus on Jesus in our chaos. He hasn’t moved; the One who endured the cross and scorned its shame, has returned to the place reserved for Him at the right hand of God. When we remember the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, even though they are not visible, we can free ourselves from the mucky seaweed of sin that wants to drag us down. We can run (or swim) the race marked out for us with perseverance because He strengthens us and enables us to not lose heart. Breathing out our fear of the unknown, we can breathe in our faith in the Known, and endure whatever comes our way because He is with us.