It was her worst nightmare, but it was for real. Hurricane Raymond’s 150-mile-an-hour winds and fifteen-metre-high waves had tossed the thirteen-metre yacht that Tammi and her fiancé delivered to San Diego end over end like a toy. Knocked unconscious for twenty-seven hours, Tammi reawakened to find Richard had been lost overboard. Alone, heartbroken and without radio contact in a severely damaged yacht, the obstacles seemed insurmountable. Doing whatever she could, however, she managed to reach Hawaii forty-one days later.

Tammi’s resolute perseverance reminds me of the disciples’ prolonged hours of “straining at the oars” (Mark 6:48). While Jesus prayed on a mountainside (v. 46), they battled a powerful, relentless headwind as afternoon drifted on into evening and night. But Jesus, watching their back-breaking rowing, was fully aware of their need, and at around 3 am, “he went out to them, walking on the lake” (v. 48), the power of His presence instilled peace over the storm (v. 51 ).

We often feel our strength and hope sapped when “straining at the oars” against a relentless “headwind” of problems that disrupt plans and damage health, relationships or material security. But while, like Tammi, we feel alone, Jesus continually watches over us and is with us in our struggles. For however long our difficulties endure, as we keep our hearts open to His presence and responsive to His Word, His peace and help diffuse fear and encourage persevering faith.

By Anne Le Tissier

What is the nature of the headwind that you’re currently straining against? How does knowing that Jesus cares for and is with you encourage you?

Ever-present Jesus, thank You that I’m not alone. I receive in faith Your peace and power to guide and help me face my problems today. Amen