BLOWN AWAY?

On our honeymoon in 1994, young and happy, we were taking pictures of us swimming in the sea. Well, let me rephrase that: We were taking pictures TRYING to swim in the sea. I thought it would be a memory worth hanging on the wall – the ocean in the background and me posing with a smile of a newly-wed wife. But what I did not keep in mind, was the mighty force of the tide and the waves and before I knew it my delightful smile was bulldozed right off my face. I was tossed and turned and landed face-down, with less than a little clothing remaining, on the crowded beach.

Today, I am reminded of Ephesians 4: 14 “We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming”

I am convinced that none of us are exempt from the storms of life. Sometimes the waves and currents seem so fierce that we feel lost, afraid and start losing hope. I know that I felt lost in the stormy waters for a long, long time, not even caring in which direction the wind and waves would take me. There were moments when I gave up and started sinking (also not caring), but then I was somehow lifted again and the floating continued. My anchor was non-existing, so I thought, and I drifted further and further away from the shore.

We need an anchor. To be anchored is equal to have hope. Unless we are anchored or follow the guidance of the buoy, there is not much hope for us.

Jesus uses the phrase ‘Fishers of men’ - His mandate to His disciples (Matthew 4: 19), so I think it may be worth our while to learn a bit more about being out on the ocean.

What is a buoy? A buoy is an essential aid to navigation ensuring safe passage. It rises and falls with the tide, but its motion is minimal and does not stray far from its placement, unless it has broken from its anchor. A buoy has a chain attached to a concrete block, just long enough to allow it to adjust to the changing tides and currents, but not too long that it allows the buoy to stray too far from its designated station.

As the buoy, part of being a Christian, is to help guide people to safety, security, and salvation in Christ. Sometimes Christians adrift, like the buoy (Ephesians 4: 14) through winds of doctrine, fake news, and manipulative messages can be deceptive. This may lead to a catastrophic disaster. When ties are broken with our faithful Anchor, we may easily drift into the dangerous tides of populism. To be a true witness (a buoy who guides), your witness should be Scripture grounded and devoted to prayer.

During my studies I realized the importance of being well anchored in genuine faith.

Anchors provide stability to ships during harsh storms, protecting them from being tossed around at sea. Anchors are used to combat wind and currents that want to move the vessel off course. When the boat pulls the anchor rode, it penetrates deeper into the surface which creates more resistance, holding the vessel in a particular place. Anchors also help sailors while fishing, or spending the night, by securing the boat.

Different anchors are best for different conditions. These various types of anchors have specific qualities and functions that affects the anchor’s performance in keeping the boat safe. Family and friends are not just our safety net, but also our safeguard and the ones who keep as accountable. A good rule of thumb is to equip the anchor with long enough chains. It increases the holding power of the anchor. Make sure you have a chain of steadfast brothers and sisters in Christ.

Inspect the anchor system regularly for flukes. Normal wear and tear may give us a false sense of security. When storms feel overwhelming, what is the condition of your anchor system? Do you sometimes put your trust in the brand-new chain of friends or your family, because you do not make time to dig deep for the Anchor? The chain is just as strong as its weakest link.

For believers, anchors are used as a symbol of hope – steadfast hope in eternal life. (Hebrews 6: 17 – 19). In ancient times, they were also viewed as a symbol of safety. Instead of an anchor that reaches down into the sea, the Christian’s anchor reaches up into heaven. Through Jesus, we are anchored to the Holy of Holies. Our hope is not feelings-based. We have a strong and trustworthy Anchor who keeps us firm and secure during the stormy seasons of life. “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Rom 5: 5)

Take heart! Even though you may feel shaken and battered by your storm, you can remain strong: ”God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor four our souls”. (Hebrews 6: 17-19) Do not be afraid when you see the stormy clouds – NO wind will be able to blow you off the course God has determined for your life.

As Douglas Miller is singing: “My Soul is Anchored” in raging storms. Even if the storms don’t cease, and if the wind keeps blowing, my soul has been anchored in the Lord.

Jesus is our Hope and Anchor who can keep us unmovable in spite of the tides of life.

Storms will ease and cease and what will remain, will be a breeze.

He did not save you to lose His grip on you in a storm.