Imagine you are cruising the ocean. It's a beautiful day. Sunshine is everywhere. Birds are singing. All of a sudden, the sky turns dark. Lightning strikes and thunder booms. The ship starts to rock and sway with the swelling waves. The captain commands the crew to drop the anchor. Now, no matter how hard the wind tries to blow the ship off course, it's not going anywhere. The anchor holds the ship in place during the storm.
This is a perfect picture of human life. Sometimes in life, we have periods of sunshine and smooth sailing. It seems like everything is going our way. We are successful, our finances are good, our health is fine, and all is well with the world. Then, out of nowhere, a storm comes. It could be a lost job, economic recession, sickness, or even a death in the family. These things often take us by surprise. How does one keep going through these times that try the very heart and soul of who you are?
Just like the ship has an anchor to keep it in the storm, your soul needs an anchor. Hebrews 6:17-19 tells us what this anchor is, "Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..."
Our hope is in who Christ is and what He has done for us. We know that He has forgiven our sins and blessed us with the gift of eternal life because we have accepted Him into our lives. We know the promises in His word. He promises that everything we go through will work out for our good. He promises us an eternal life in Heaven with Him. He says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is faithful to forgive our sins and trespasses. He is the healer. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills--He even created the hills the cattle graze upon!
Trials develop strength, endurance, and trust. When God is the only one who can change a situation, you have to fully rely on Him. A storm will show you how strong your anchor is. Going through a trial makes you appreciate the good times much more when they come along.
Do not be distracted by the size of the waves or by the howling wind. Look to the Creator of the wind and waves. They were made still by His command when He was here on earth, and He is still the same God today!
Comments