Straining at the Oars: A Lesson of Faith

This is one of my favorite places in the world: St. Joseph, Michigan, where I grew up.

This photo captures the north pier of the area’s iconic lighthouse on Lake Michigan, famously featured on a U.S. postage stamp in 1995. I’ve taken countless photos of the beach and lighthouse, but this one—taken about 20 years ago on a stunning September day—remains a favorite. The tranquil waters, the stillness of the moment … a quiet reminder of how swiftly things can change.

Visitors come to this spot for moments like this. Others wait for the stunning sunsets. However, there are times when storms roll in from the west, when winds are fierce and waves crash over the pier.

In many ways, this is a reflection of my own life.

Straining at the Oars

I’ve been swept up in waves of uncertainty, the undertow of worry pulling me under. Trying to “keep it all together” and feeling exhausted. Maybe you’ve felt that way too — a desperate struggle to keep your head above water.

In the Gospels, there was a time when the disciples were caught in a storm of their own. They were on the Lake of Gennesaret (also called the Sea of Galilee) during a storm with high winds and rough waters. And in the dark.

Where was Jesus? He had stayed behind to pray alone.

Shortly before dawn, after a long night of struggle, Jesus came to them — walking on the water (Mark 6:48, Matthew 14:25).

Why Jesus Didn’t Come Sooner

Maybe you’ve wondered, as I have: Why didn’t Jesus come right away? Why wait when the disciples were struggling for hours?

But He saw them — the entire time.

The boat was three to four miles out when Jesus walks out on the water to meet them! The disciples were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they cried. Jesus immediately replies, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

True to form, Peter doesn’t hesitate and blurts out: “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus replies, ‘Come.” (Matthew 14:28)

Peter swings himself over the side of the boat and steps out. Incredibly, he is walking—on water!”

Until …

He sees the waves; he feels the wind. And then he starts to sink.

“Lord, save me!” he cries.

Immediately, Jesus reaches out His hand to catch him. “You of little faith,” He replied. ”Why did you doubt?”

Peter is saved. But even then – the storm still hadn’t stopped.

When Jesus Steps In

It is only when Jesus climbs into the boat with the disciples that—poof!—the storm is gone. (Mark 6:51)

Can you imagine the disciples’ amazement? After a sleepless night of terror, winds and waves…Jesus shows up, walks on water and then stills the storm with His presence.

He Sees You, Too

You may be in a storm of your own right now. Straining at the oars. Tired. Unsure how you will be able to stay afloat.

But remember: Just as Jesus saw the disciples then, He sees you now.

“Look at the birds of the air:
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?”
— Matthew 6:26

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
— Luke 12:6-7

You are not forgotten. You are not alone.

Like Peter, you can cry out, “Lord, save me!”—and before the words even leave your lips, His hand is already reaching for you. Jesus calls us to step out in faith, unwavering and bold. (James 1:6)”

Have you heard the phrase “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”? Scripture offers a better truth:

“He gives strength to the weary and
increases the power of the weak…
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
— Isaiah 40:29-31

We are seen, and we are loved. We have a Hope that is our Salvation.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear?”
— Psalm 27:1

Storms in life are inevitable — but so is the presence of our Savior. Whether He calms the wind or walks with us through the waves, Jesus never leaves us to face it alone. When you feel unseen, unheard, or overwhelmed, remember this: He sees you. He is near. And He is strong enough to carry you through whatever lies ahead. Rest in His grace today — not because the storm is over, but because He is in it with you.

Journaling Prompt:
What is one area of your life where you feel like you’re “straining at the oars”? Write a prayer or reflection inviting Jesus to meet you there — and consider what it might look like to trust Him in the middle of that storm.