Proverbs 13: 12 ; Romans 4: 3; Hebrews 10: 23; 1 Thessalonians 5: 24; Hebrews 10: 35-37
An anchor is a heavy (usually metallic) object attached either to a rope or chain, and used to secure a vessel (big ship) to the bottom of the sea so it does not drift away due to wind or current. Therefore, the importance of an anchor is made evident by the fact that it firmly secures the ship in a stable position.
For the purpose of this article, let us view or consider our faith in God as an anchor that secures our walk or relationship with Him. If you’ve been a Christian long enough, you will concur that this subject of faith in God does not come easy – sometimes (and as a matter of fact, most times), the prevailing circumstances are at odds with the promises of God’s word; and it would seem that the more we hold out in faith, the worse our situation (temporarily) becomes.
At other times, we have had to hold out in faith for extended periods, while the deliverance (or expected solution) tarries or lingers year in year out. At such times our faith begins to shrink, our confessions become less confident, and our hope starts to dwindle…and rightly so; even the Bible states that hope deferred makes the heart sick!
However, the same Bible encourages us not to cast away our confidence (faith) because we need patience, perseverance, and endurance to obtain the promise. Sometimes God answers us speedily when we call; sometimes He takes really long! This article is not focused on providing reasons why God sometimes delay in bringing the desired solution or deliverance; but the key point here is on the fact that our faith should not give in when we’ve been waiting for long.
It’s imperative to ask for grace (on a consistent basis) to keep on holding on, believing, trusting, and pressing on when the answer is being delayed. We should strive not to allow the lengthened days of time, or the worsened state of the situation (or circumstance) to negatively impact our faith in God. Our anchor (faith) should firmly secure the vessel from any intruding wind/current of doubts, discouragement, or fear.
Folks the waiting game is never easy; but we have this assurance that faithful is He who promised…and it can only tarry for a little while, after which it must come. So let this consolation be the light of hope shed on our path today as we journey through life. Delay is not denial; and even denial is not abandonment.
Shalom!
- Though the angry surges roll
On my tempest-driven soul,
I am peaceful, for I know,
Wildly though the winds may blow,
I’ve an anchor safe and sure,
That can evermore endure.- Refrain:
And it holds, my anchor holds:
Blow your wildest, then, O gale,
On my bark so small and frail;
By His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.
- Refrain:
- Mighty tides about me sweep,
Perils lurk within the deep,
Angry clouds o’ershade the sky,
And the tempest rises high;
Still I stand the tempest’s shock,
For my anchor grips the rock.