Have You Passed The Finish Line? - In May 1997, Susan Maroney became the first woman to swim the 118 miles from Cuba to Florida. In her third attempt, the 22-year-Australian swam for 24 hours in shark-infested waters surrounded by a 28-by-8-foot shark-proof cage. The cage was itself attached to an escort boat moving alongside her. .

When Maroney reached Fort Zachary State Park in the Florida Keys, she was badly sunburned, dehydrated and covered with welts from jellyfish stings. At one time, she had hallucinations in which she thought she saw monkeys hanging on the cage. She stated afterwards, "So many times you think, "I just don't want to keep going." She was encouraged by her mother and brother, who motivated her from the escort boat during the night.

Swimming in the night was what Maroney described as "the hardest part." Have you ever felt as if you were swimming in the dark? Trials and tribulations have invaded your life. Perhaps, growing weary, you've felt like giving up. If you have, let me encourage you. I want to cheer you on. Heaven awaits and you haven't completed the course and tasted victory until you have passed the finish line!  You can make it!

There are several lessons that we can learn from Susan Maroney's experience: #1. Work hard to accomplish your dreams. #2. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and who have the same hope and aspirations. These are the ones that will stay with you even in the dark times. Remember the Lord has provided every Christian with all the encouragement they need, packaged in the Holy Spirit! #3. Keep your goal in sight even if you imagine things that are not there. The Israelites wandered 40 years instead of entering into the Promised Land because they saw things, instead of listening to God. #4. And last but not least, Above all Keep Swimming!!!!!!!