Hope in the Storm

Is it possible to hold to Christian Faith as an Anchor in Adversity?

Visualize a turbulent storm at sea. You may be picturing the dark and gloomy clouds casting a shadow across the water. The waves are towering at times, chaotically moving back and forth. 

Now imagine there is a small boat that has been caught in the middle of that storm. Those on board are panicked, the captain yelling orders but barely being heard above the sound of the violent storm. All are fearful the boat will become shipwrecked if they cannot escape the storm or find some type of control.

What if there was a boat of similar size in the same storm with a securely deployed anchor? This boat has remained stable. Of course, it rises and falls with torrential waves, however, it is not being thrown off course. What the anchor provides for the boat is a stability that keeps it from being carried away for the force of the storm. An anchor is vital in maintaining stability that also ensures the safety of both the vessel and its crew during the storm.

Although the anchor cannot magically make the storm go away, it will help those going through it to be thrown off course. God has never promised His believers an easy life, in fact he truthfully tells us that hard times will be in our future. Jesus Christ does provide us peace through those hard times. John 16:33 records Jesus’ words “ These things I have spoken unto you, that in my ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” 

At times, I have been guilty of being surprised by different storms in my life. But God has faithfully and lovingly extended His peace to me time and time again. Some storms in my life, God has calmed. Some storms I continue to live through. But in all of life’s storms God offers his peace and hope as an anchor for my soul. 

The Lord will keep you from being moved in hard times as we are reminded in the Psalms.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.”

Psalm 121:1-3

Here are some anchors you can hold on to.

1.The anchor of Biblical community or friendship.

Don’t isolate yourself from those Christians in your church and life who can be a support to you. In financial crisis, its easy to feel like you’re the only one in debt or with no money. When grieving a loss, its easy to feel like no one else understand the hurt you have.

Because of these feelings and others, its easy to feel like you’re alone. So then, you naturally choose to isolate yourself. The hardship may be so overwhelming that it’s hard to explain to others. It is in these times, you need the prayers and support from your Christian community… those in your local church who can pray for you and encourage you. 

They may not know or understand how you feel, but they can bring your situation before Lord knowing He understand how you feel.

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” 

Hebrews 4:15

2. the anchor of God’s restoration.

When a hard times leave you in a state of brokenness, know that God is there with you. In the apostle Paul’s second letter to Corinth, he acknowledges how God met him in his cast down state.

“For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down…”

2 Corinthians 7:5-6

We have a loving God who meets us in our brokeness and restores us. Some go through a season of force rest after their storm. I know that at times, I was hurting too much to make decisions or to go forward in life. I found myself doing the bare minimum. It is in these times, I learned to trust that God was working even when I couldn’t.

It’s hard to think of the time that was lost during seasons of waiting or hardship.

“We have a loving God who meets us in our brokeness and restores us.

Whether you couldn’t do what you thought was best or the times when the hurt was so great it paralyzed you from doing what was best. God will redeem the time that was lost.  

Don’t loose hope no matter what storm you may be facing. 

Author | Irene Connors

Irene Connors is a dedicated teacher with over 15 years of experience working with teenagers. She is a loving wife and mother, a compelling speaker, and a devout believer who diligently studies the word of God. Her life is a testament to her commitment to education, family, communication, and faith.

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