Keep Rowing

Have you ever tried rowing a boat or watched someone do it? I had the chance last week at Camp Nubar. What’s interesting is that when you're in a rowboat, you don’t face the direction you’re heading. Your back is toward your destination. All you can see is where you've been. But with each pull of the oars, you're moving forward—even if you can't see where you're going.

That’s how life often feels. Sometimes we find ourselves rowing through seasons of disappointment, loneliness, or delay. We pray. We believe. And we still wonder, “God, am I even making progress?” The answer is yes. Because while you may not see what's ahead, God does. He sees the blessing, the breakthrough, the healing. And every time you row—in faith, in prayer, in obedience—you’re moving closer to it.

Think back to the story in Mark 6:45–51, when Jesus told His disciples to cross the lake. The wind was against them, and they were struggling to row. But while they were straining at the oars, Jesus saw them from the mountain and walked out to meet them—right in the middle of the storm.

The same is true for you. God sees you rowing. He sees your effort, your perseverance, your decision to keep showing up even when it’s hard. And He’s not distant. He’s coming right into the storm you’re in.

Even if you can’t see the destination, your progress is real. You may feel stuck. The wind may be strong. The current may feel like it’s pushing you backward. But you’re not drifting—you’re rowing. And that makes all the difference. Faith is rowing even when the shore is out of sight.

So keep rowing, friends. Row through the silence. Row through the doubts. Row through the tears. Keep honoring God. Keep doing your best at work. Keep loving your family. Keep serving your church.

Don’t let the discouragement make you drop your oars. Don’t quit because the wind is fierce. That resistance is making you stronger. And one day, you’ll look back and realize that God has been guiding your boat all along, leading you straight to the shore of blessing, healing, and peace.