The Anchor Church

Driving along the inlet section of SH58 is the most beautiful experience, especially when the water is calm. The image of the land reflected in the glassy waters of the inlet provides double the enjoyment of the surrounding country side.  

As you gaze at the splendour of God’s amazing creation in “stereo” it provides a picture of tranquillity and God’s splendid creative genius.  When the water is rough, the reflection fades into the chop, while the original portrait is no less brilliant, still radiating God’s majesty.

It’s a little easier to reflect on our faith when the still waters of life are present. Our image and identity in Christ seems more palatable when we feel that tangible connection of God and mankind joined as one, like when the land meets the sea in tranquil reflection. Oh, that life was always played out in that peaceful setting, but we know that the unexpected can always be expected.

John 16:32 – 33 -”Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Note that peace and tribulation are expected and one does not negate the other.  You will have trouble and peace in this life. As long as believers are alive in this world, the waters of life will rise, yet Jesus gives us peace and confidence to sail through the rough seas assured of victory. Christ’s peace affords the believer a calm disposition in times of confusion, not to make life easier but to conquer the ebb and flow of life’s problems, rather than sailing around them

Ever heard the saying, ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’?  Sometimes life seems a little hard and continually trying to keep on track takes more energy than we may possess.  

 Time after time as we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, a boom gets lowered, blocking the exit.  With the
finish line in sight, we get stuck behind a barrier, which manifests itself in various ways.  Some life issues are caused by our own hand, sometimes at the hand of others and some seemingly out of the blue.  How we react from that
point on can often sum up our faith journey.

Whatever the cause, we have a responsibility to press on through the tears, pain and discomfort.  Our focus must
remain on Christ and knowing that He endures with us should have an impact on our Kingdom perspective and Christian
values.

If you’re going through some tough stuff today, short cuts don’t work.  Rely on Christ’s authority and power, rely on the Spirit that works in you, lean on the body of Christ and tough it out.  One of the hallmarks of faith is perseverance, so
let us stand together in love to fulfil the Lord’s purposes to the glory of God.

2 Thes 1:11-12—To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfil every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.