The Anchor of Hope
While visiting the famous aircraft carrier, the USS Midway in San Diego, I was extremely impressed. The Midway was used as a defender of freedom during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. Although it is retired after fifty years of service, it still inspires thousands of tourists each year. I was amazed at its capacity to carry over 4,000 men. As I stood on the flight deck, I saw that they could even launch and land two fighter jets at the same time. Its catapult system could launch a jet off the deck so fast, that in less than three seconds, it would be flying at 165 MPH!
It was a fascinating tour, but what impressed me the most was the “Anchor Room.” It is one of the larger rooms on the ship and contains a massive anchor that weighs 40,000 pounds. The chain that holds the anchor is wound around giant spools, with each chain link weighing over 130 pounds. Our tour guide informed us that when the anchor went down into deep waters, everyone on the ship could feel the vibration. While standing there in the anchor room, I thought about another anchor, the anchor of hope for our souls, mentioned in Hebrews 6:18-20.
So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change! And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakeable hope! We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat which sits in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone before us.
Hebrews 6:18-20 (Passion Translation)
When the strong winds blow, the anchor of hope reaches into Heaven and holds your soul steady. This is not a false hope, but it is certain through eternity. Romans 5:5 assures us that it cannot fail because it is based on God’s unfailing love. “This hope will not leave us disappointed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.” Some think of hope as simply wishing, like someone throwing a coin into a wishing well for good luck. However, the Bible’s definition of hope is “a cheerful, confident expectation of good.” Notice how faith, hope, and love work together. The anchor of hope holds your soul (mind, will, and emotions) steady, and fills you with joy and peace. Romans 15:13 says, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” The AMPC says you are “overflowing and bubbling over with hope.”
In the middle of a storm, the most important conversations you will ever have are with yourself. In Psalms 42 and 43, David said to himself, “Why are you discouraged?… Hope thou in God...I will yet praise Him who is the health of my countenance,” David’s hope in God changed the expression on his face when he began to praise God. He encouraged himself to have faith in God’s goodness with a positive expectation of the glory of God right in the middle of the storm.
Here are four kinds of expectations that either bring victory or defeat in life:
- Negative expectation is a fear of failure and expects the worst. “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
- Neutral expectation goes through life not expecting anything. Put your expectations in gear by recalling God’s faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; Therefore, will I hope in him.” Lamentations 3:21, 24
- Misguided expectation looks to man alone. Naaman expected to be healed when Elijah waved his hand over him. Instead, healing came when he obeyed the prophet and dipped seven times in the muddy river (2 Kings 5). “My soul, wait thou only upon God; For my expectation is from him.” Psalm 62:5
- Positive expectation results in positive, faith-filled action. The woman who was sick for twelve years turned her expectations only to Jesus. Her positive expectation moved her and when she touched Jesus’ clothes, she was healed (Mark 5:25-34).
Turn your expectation to God alone, even in the middle of a storm. Expect God to act! Hope in God! The very thing Satan means for evil, God turns for your good. The anchor of hope holds you steady while your miracle is coming.
This month for your offering of any amount, we want to offer you two messages called Unshakable Hope and the book, The Bloodline of a Champion. Thank you for your faithful partnership with us. We have completed our Conference Center and had a ministers’ meeting last month with special guest Bro. Kenneth Copeland. It was a dream come true night. Thank you for your partnership that has made this possible. Together, we are taking this message of hope around the world! We declare to you, “My God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
In Christ,
Mark and Trina