Hope for Your Heart: Finding Strength in Life's Storms by June Hunt Read Free Book Online Page B

of life. For example, shortly after graduating from college, I was asked to direct my church’s junior high division, which ministered to six hundred students. Though I had no formal preparation (only four years as a Sunday school teacher), I accepted the position . . . unaware that my most effective source of training would soon come from the “School of Hard Knocks.”
    Such was the case one Friday evening after a youth rally when I quietly suggested to fourteen-year-old Nancy that perhaps she could refrain from talking so much about her more sophisticated wardrobe so as not to build barriers between her friends and herself.
    That same night Nancy’s mother phoned me, outraged that I would advise her daughter on such matters and demanding my assurances that I would never again make such a grave mistake. “If anyone’s going to correct her, I’ll be the one!” she snapped.
    Though I felt misunderstood, I didn’t feel led to try to argue my case with Nancy’s mother. As anger threatened to boil within me, God reminded me of Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” With a softened heart, I decided to give a higher priority to the relationship with Nancy and her mother than to the satisfaction of being understood or making my point. I apologized to mother and daughter and asked for forgiveness, which ultimately enabled me to remain a part of Nancy’s life.
    Looking back, I see how God worked through that trial for my good, strengthening my faith and teaching me an invaluable lesson. Even if my motive is right, I can expect to be accused of doing wrong. But Jesus is there to anchor me.

#2: THE FLUKE ANCHOR
    Lightweight, but with high holding power, the fluke anchor buries itself in the watery bottom, working best in sand, mud, or clay. 4

    Jesus is our anchor.
Like the fluke anchor, Jesus stabilizes us with a powerful hold. He is strong and steady, yet His presence brings us peace—a lightness even amidst difficult circumstances (poor choices, money problems, prodigal loved ones, painful accusations). When we struggle within ourselves and question our decisions . . . when we have unforeseen challenges and changes . . . when we doubt who we are and even doubt who
He
is, Jesus anchors us with His power and peace.
    Biblical example
: Jesus sent the disciples ahead of Him by boat to the other side of the lake so He could have time alone to pray. In the middle of the night Jesus walked toward the boat . . . on the water. Astonished, Peter instantly wanted to join Jesus on the water. Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter did! He stepped out and began to walk, but then his faith was swallowed up by fear. As he took his eyes off Jesus, Peter faltered with fear, started to sink, and cried out. Jesus then reached out and rescued him.
    “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (Matt. 14:28–32)
    Jesus has proven Himself to be my personal “fluke” anchor
amidst tumultuous trials and painfully poor choices. My years as a church youth director again come to mind. For weeks someone had been maliciously placing nails on the ramps into the church parking garage. All staff members were asked to be on the lookout for the culprit. I soon received word that a ninth grader in my division, whom I’ll call Dave Todd, was to blame.
    I really liked Dave, “all boy” that he was. But it was my job to inform his parents of the disturbing news. Dave’s mother was a kind and well-regarded Vacation Bible School teacher at our church. It didn’t take long to locate her. After broaching the topic of Dave’s misconduct, I told