This week the world has been inspired by the incredible story of 13-year-old Australian boy Austin Appelbee, who swam about 4 km through rough, open ocean waters to reach shore and get help after his mother and two younger siblings were swept out to sea off the coast of Western Australia.
When worsening conditions left their kayak and paddleboards far from land, the family found themselves in serious danger, and Austin’s mother made the almost impossible decision to send her eldest son toward shore to raise the alarm. Austin initially tried to paddle the kayak back toward land, but when it continued to fill with water, he made the brave decision to swim, even removing his life jacket half way, so he could move more efficiently through the waves. For four hours, he battled choppy seas, powerful waves, and exhaustion as he swam toward the shoreline.
Eventually he reached land, then running another distance to find a phone and contact emergency services, actions that triggered a major rescue operation that brought his family home safely. Because of that call and the information, he gave rescuers, emergency teams were able to locate Joanne, Beau, and Grace, who had spent up to ten hours in the water clinging to paddleboards, about 14 kilometres offshore. They were cold, exhausted, and worn from their ordeal, but they were alive and were all reunited with Austin soon afterward.
What makes this story especially moving is that Austin himself spoke about the role his faith played as he swam. In interviews he said he kept praying and thinking positive thoughts during the entire ordeal, repeating to himself, “just keep swimming,” and later said, “I didn't think it was actually me … it was God the whole time,” acknowledging that he felt God with him and sustaining him through exhaustion and fear.
His humble faith, courage and love for his family remind us that even in life’s most overwhelming challenges. Austin’s story is a powerful reminder for us this Sabbath season that God’s strength can carry us in ways we don’t think possible. Just as the Apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), this young boy’s experience shows how faith and prayer can sustain us even through terrifying and seemingly impossible circumstances.
May his example encourage us this Sabbath to trust in God’s sustaining love, to keep going one step, or one stroke, at a time, and to allow our faith to carry us through the storms we face. With God, we are never alone. In every challenge we face, God is present, ready to give us strength, peace, and perseverance. Let us hold fast to Him, call on His name, and trust that He will see us through.
God bless you, Malin Andersen
