On average they’d give up and sink after 15 minutes.
But right before they gave up, due to exhaustion, the researchers would pluck them out, dry them off, let them rest for a few minutes, and then put them back in for a second round.
On the second try, how long do you think they lasted?
Another 15 minutes? 10 minutes? Five minutes? No! 60 hours!
That’s right! 60 hours of swimming.
The conclusion by the researchers was that since the rats believed that they would eventually be rescued, they could push their bodies way past what they previously thought possible.
Where individuals have hope, they have higher levels of perseverance.
They will keep fighting when they feel there is a chance of success or rescue.
When they don’t have hope, they won’t.
There are times in life when we face situations that make us feel like giving up.
In Hebrews 11, God urges us to hang on in our faith because He hasn’t forgotten you, and he will fulfil his promises to you.
Hebrews 11 mentions a long list of people who demonstrated faith in God’s promises - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David and others.
Though they endured difficulties, they kept going in their faith journeys.
When we feel like giving up, do more than just hang on. Believe and trust in God’s faithfulness to keep his promises.
“So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).
“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future’.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Don’t allow the difficulties of life knock you down.
God will help you up and turn your life around. Trust in God and keep swimming!
~ Contributed by Sandra Whyborn of the Deniliquin Salvation Army, on behalf of the Combined Churches of Deniliquin.
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