Twenty-six miles from the California coast sits Catalina Island, a popular destination known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture. In 1952, Florence Chadwick decided to swim those 26 miles from the mainland to the island. After 15 hours of swimming, a dense fog set in. Cold, tired, and unable to see the shoreline, Florence signaled that she was ready to be pulled out of the water. As she sat in the boat, she found out she had stopped one mile short of the island coastline. She swam 25 miles, and quit with one mile to go.

Perhaps you’re feeling like it’s time to quit. The work is too hard. You’re doubting your own competencies and abilities. Other people’s negative words are dragging you down.

God says to us in Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Sometimes, like Florence Chadwick, we’re tempting to quit when we can’t see where we’re headed. Sometimes we lose sight of the vision that caused us to take the job, to pursue the degree, to enter into the relationship, to agree to the challenging task. We grow weary of doing good.

God promises that we will reap – in due season. In other words, in God’s timing. God arranges the seasons of life. Our job is keep doing good and don’t give up. If what you’re doing is good, keep it up, even when things get hard.

In moments of struggle in my life, I’ve held onto two similar phrases spoken to me by mentors.

• One statement is “Stay in the fight.” We’re in a spiritual battle. Don’t let the enemy win. “Stay in the fight.”

• The second statement is “Stay the course.” When doubts arise, we’re tempted to look for an easier way. Keep going. Trust in God to guide you, and don’t waver from your purpose. “Stay the course.”

What terrible disappointment Florence Chadwick must have felt when she gave up one mile away from her goal. She probably kicked herself about it. She probably thought, “Why did I stop when I was so close?” But she was determined. She didn’t quit pursuing her goal. Two months later, she tried again. Again a dense fog set in. Again she was tired and cold. But she kept a mental image of the coastline in her mind. She kept going. She pushed herself. And she made it – all 26 miles to the island coast.

Keep going. Stay in the fight. Stay the course. In due season, you will reap if you don’t give up.