In 1964 I had my first experience with the Pacific Ocean. The water off Huntington Beach, California, was bracing to say the least, but once in and swimming through the breakers, I did get used to it and actually enjoyed swimming in salt water.
As I swam along, I spied a young man clutching an inflated pillow for dear life. His knuckles were white and he was scared. He could not get back to shore. As I neared I heard him say, "Help me—I can't swim!"

What a moment! I could not see a lifeguard, and the man was obviously panicky and weakening. I talked quietly with him and told him I was not a strong swimmer, but if he would hang on, I would come up behind him and push him through the breakers to the shore. I kept repeating the instruction to "hang on" and thankfully he did.

Life gives us many moments when the only thing we have left to do is to "hang on." The Bible uses the word perseverance in Ephesians 6:18. God's people are told to continue to pray, be alert and persevere.

Proverbs 24:10 states that if we faint in a time of adversity, we only have a little strength. God wants us to be strong so that we can help push others to the shore.

Genesis 32:22-32 tells of an impossible wrestling match. Jacob knew this was no ordinary being and no ordinary wrestling match—so he hung on! God enjoyed the tenacity, determination and perseverance that Jacob was learning.

Paul admonished the Thessalonians to hold fast what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Revelation 2:25 and 3:3 and 11 also admonish God's people to "hold fast" or "hang on" to what we have. Perhaps you've heard the saying, "When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot—and hang on!"

We all face overwhelming odds in this life and in our quest to attain eternal life. When the going gets really rough, "hang on" and God will see you through!