The Anchor Holds!

"This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. . ."  (Hebrews 6:19a)

As Sharon and I enter into this second year of uncertainty regarding our future it occurs to me that ministry is not for cowards!  There are dangers at every turn and bumps in the road become pitfalls that could derail the strongest of souls.

We could not go another day were it not for the fact that we are confident our Anchor holds!  This past year we have faced innumerable storms that have threatened to derail us and leave us in a heap of uncertainty and meaningless questions.  In the very deepest of heartache we have seen God bring comfort and mend heartache at just the right time. 

Acts 27 finds Paul being sent as a prisoner to Rome.  In the middle of their travels a storm threatens to sink the ship and kill all of its occupants.  The sailors try all sorts of remedies, and finally resort to costing four anchors is keep the ship off of the rocks. 

There are at least four anchors that have kept us from the rocks that threaten to destroy our future:

The first anchor has been the Bible.  I know, it seems obvious for a preacher to say that doesn't it?  But I can tell you, from the very beginning in May of 2012 God's word has taken on a new and fresh importance for me.  In fact, if this storm in our lives accomplishes no other purpose than to strengthen my trust in God's word, then it has not been wasted.  Often, in the mornings or evenings, God has brought just the right passage that has brought comfort and purpose to our days.  God's word has truly been a light to our path as we have navigated through this desert experience.

A second anchor has been our friends.  A person really doesn't understand how many friends he has until he needs them.  Many of my compatriots in ministry have "been there" with us through some pretty difficult times.  Whether it is a timely placed phone call, or a note of encouragement, my friends have been a priceless blessing.  "The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense."  (Proverbs 27:9)  Almost daily I have heard from friends whose presents and counsel has been "sweet as perfume and incense."  I will never be able to repay them!

The there is, of course, the anchor of family.  From the beginning of this journey Sharon and I recognized that our children and grandchildren would be watching how we responded to this storm.  We know that each one of them will face storms of their own as they grow and mature in Christ, and we determined, by God's grace, to be an example and blessing to them.  But I'm afraid their influence on us has far outweighed any benefit we have been to them.  I don't have time of space to go into how they have blessed us.  Without our family encouragement, this storm would have seemed much longer and more severe.

Finally, our strongest and truest anchor in this storm has been God Himself.  From this point forward when I preach of our Savior being a friend who stays closer than a brother, I will not be speaking from head knowledge.  I have experienced His presence moment by moment, and He has been an anchor for my soul.  Every time I have felt myself slipping into despondency or depression, I have done the only thing I know to do - I have reached out to my Anchor.  His hold has been steadfast and sure.  His hold is based on his character that is always truthful, always loving, and always consistent.  That is the "hope" spoken of in Hebrews 6 as strong and trustworthy.  "He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." (James 1:17)  His care and concern, and His presence and security have never wavered.  Every time I have looked to Him for security, He has been there.  Every time I needed His presence to bring security in chaos, He has been present.  It would be futile to look to Him for answers as He has no obligation to share them with me.  But He brought His presence; his character as my holy, loving, all knowing and just God has been an anchor that knows no equal. 

The Anchor holds in spite of the storm!

Rob