3 Anchors to Keep You Afloat in Any Storm - Encouragement Café - October 23, 2017
3 Anchors to Keep You Afloat in Any Storm
By Carolyn Dale Newell
Monday, October 23, 2017
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”” Matthew 14:27 NKJV
Do you ever feel like you are barely keeping your head from going under water? Do you grow tired searching for a lifeboat, but no lifeboat is in sight? The victims of the Titanic felt hopeless.
Despite its massive size and three anchors, the Titanic sunk. The center anchor weighed over 16 tons. It measured about 18 feet in length, and its width was over 10 feet. It still lays on the floor of the Atlantic. A replica can be seen at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Friend, we have a bigger and better anchor when we sail stormy waters with Jesus.
Matthew chapter 14 gives us the account of Jesus walking on water, right through the storm. Our first anchor is providence. After feeding the multitudes, Jesus sent His disciples to the Sea of Galilee while He retreated to the mountain for solitude and prayer.
The disciples launched out into the water where they encountered a severe storm. These apostles were obedient. They were in the will of Jesus Christ, but they still encountered stormy waters. In the midst of compliance, something bad occurred. Something fearful.
Thunder doesn’t roll and lightening doesn’t strike only when we step out of God’s will. We can be right smack dab in the middle of it and still hit rough seas, just like these disciples.
Providence means Christ controls many situations to bring about His desired outcome. God had a reason for this storm. Peter would never experience the thrill of walking on water if not for the storm.
Consider the way Jesus providentially weaved your circumstances to bring you to where you are today. He is fully in control. Storms never catch Him off guard, even though you were surprised. Take comfort in the providence of Christ.
The second anchor we cling to is the presence of Jesus Christ. Right in the midst of the turmoil, Jesus came to the disciples. He never leaves us or forsakes us (Hebrew 13:5).
We shake. We shudder. We shiver. But we are not alone. We look up, and Jesus is there. Jesus came walking on the water toward the fearful men. No waves or winds prevent Him from being with us.
Our final anchor is power. Jesus calmed the storm with a word. One word from Christ holds more power than any nuclear weapon. At the sound of His omnipotent voice, creation obeys. Jesus settles seas, whips winds into quiet submission, and clears storm clouds away.
Our prayers are received by the One who controls heaven, earth, weather and climate. He even controls the smallest details of our lives.
Christians will go through storms, but we never go it alone. We are in the providential care of Jesus Christ. Jesus is by our side during every thunderclap and lightning bolt. His power controls our storms. Jesus controls our uncontrollable.
Friend, take comfort and rest in these anchors. Carefully consider them one by one. Waves may crash all around us. Winds may howl, but we have hope in Jesus. His providence, His presence, and His power will sail with us through any storm.
Lord Jesus, Thank You for Your providential control, Your presence, and Your power. Help me recall these anchors when storms arise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
© 2017 by Carolyn Dale Newell. All rights reserved.
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