Paddling onward…

This last summer, I went on a kayak adventure with my daughter in the San Juan Islands just off the coast of Washington. After packing, actually stuffing, all of our gear into tandem kayaks, we listened intently to our guides as they shared the tips and techniques that would allow us to safely navigate the open ocean waters of the Puget Sound. 

Confident in our knowledge and skills, we shoved off into the glassy waters of the protected harbor with the relative ease of smooth, effortless strokes. As we left the protected harbor, we began to notice the open ocean currents pushing and pulling at our kayak, requiring greater effort to move forward through the salty water. Our arms began to fatigue as the waves began to rock our kayak, causing it to lean precariously into the water. Together we continued to battle through choppy currents, working to move forward.

I suddenly realized that my life is much like this kayak on the open water. Sometimes the way is gentle and it is easy to paddle along effortlessly. I can become complacent and my effort slacks off in the predictable patterns of life. Other times, the winds, rain, and currents of unpredictable events and circumstances beyond my control begin to increase rapidly, and it takes greater effort to stay in one place, let alone to keep moving forward in the desired direction. 

When the water starts to flow quickly and my strength begins to lag, I have a choice. I can bear through the pain and keep pressing on to my victory, or I can give up in defeat with words of disappointment and self condemnation ringing in my ears. 

When I allow myself to listen to my negative inner voice, I crumble in a deflated heap. If I stop paddling the boat, I will not be able to stay safely in one place.  Succumbing to the current of self doubt, I will lose any progress that I have already made and be swept backwards into the whims of the currents.

I long to move forward and experience the celebration of movement and growth. When I choose to believe and confidently strive to find the strength, I paddle vigorously and see my progress, and it is a cause for a personal celebration.  

Where does this strength come from? Does it come from my own tenacity and self-will? Sometimes the waves are small and I can do it on my own, but usually that personal strength doesn’t last very long. To be honest, I cannot outlast the storms on my own and I begin to get pulled into the waves raging around me. The answer for me is that I must look to my Savior for strength and find protection in Him.

“The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NASB

God delights in me, so He will strengthen me with the redeeming knowledge that He walks with me and holds me up. As the scripture reassures me, God’s name is a fortified tower or other translations say, “a mighty fortress ” where I can find refuge in times of weakness and doubt. This metaphor holds a strong picture in my mind of a solid, tall building that keeps out all enemies.

So how do I find this strength and rely on God for victory? Here are a few of the tips and techniques that help me to keep moving forward to navigate the storms that come my way:

Tip 1: I  strive to keep myself in God’s Word each day. 

Whether it be minutes or even an hour, I strive to start each day with a devotion or reading verses in the Bible to set my mind on His love and strength. Devotions can be found in books, on-line, and Bible apps. Personally, I find encouragement while reading Proverbs 31 Ministries Daily Devotion (click here) and Daily Hope with Rick Warren (click here). The Bible App – You Version is also a great tool (click here). There are many more sources available. Let me know if you have a favorite!

Tip 2:  I am working to memorize God’s Word. 

This is a difficult challenge for me, but when I commit a verse to memory, I am able to draw strength as it comes to mind at the moment of challenge without having to look it up in my Bible or on my phone. Arming myself with the Word of God is a protection that empowers me whenever I find need.

Tip 3:  I strive to be in a community of believers. 

I find joy building my strength in worship each Sunday. Finding a church body that leads me into the presence of the Lord and is a strong source of teaching supports my growth in my Christian walk. Participating in weekly women’s Bible studies and building community with other women enables me to form supported relationships that give me strength. Encouragement and loving support in the form of texts, emails, phone calls, and getting together build me up and bring me joy. It also builds me as I step outside of myself to support them. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17.  We were never meant to navigate our lives alone, so finding a group of supportive women is essential and life-giving.

Tip 4:  I need to stay in prayer throughout the day. 

Beginning each day in prayer is a great start, but don’t forget to continue praying throughout your day.  Taking a moment to pray about a circumstance can allow a few precious moments for perspective and strength to push forward through the challenge. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

With these steps, I can move forward and experience peace in my day, just as though I were in those calm, protected waters in the harbor. When unseen challenges begin to arise in layers of waves, winds, rain, and strong underlying currents all fighting for attention in my life, I can rely on the strength that God is building in me. 

After all, aren’t we all just trying to keep moving forward one step – or in this case, one paddle at a time to our personal victory of overcoming our struggles?

Heavenly Father – I am so grateful that You are always beside me to equip me for every season of my life. Give me the courage to continue walking forward and to live my life boldly with You as my Guide. In Jesus Name – Amen

Reply and let me know how you find your strength to keep moving forward to personal victory.