Anchored

Once in a while, a defining moment takes place in life; one that can be looked back upon as a time of choice that influences life from that point on.

Two such moments are interconnected, but were years apart.  More than 15 years ago, I sat with a friend discussing prayer and situations in our lives.  I remember making a statement to the effect that if a particular need that I had wasn't answered in the way that I expected, it would not change my faith in God or in prayer.  When I said that, it almost felt like I'd dropped an anchor that sunk down deep and took hold, not to be dislodged.  Shortly after that, in a small group setting, someone described me as a person whose faith went down to bedrock--another visualization of what had taken place in me.


The second time occurred in a motel room.  Months before I'd sat beside a dying family member who refused to have anyone bring up the need for salvation; even though a Christless, Godless eternity stretched ahead.  That one was convinced there was no need, that religion was pointless, that God didn't exist, or if He did, He didn't have any concern or interest for individual people.  Now, that same thinking had taken root in another family member.  Doubts and questions began to challenge my belief system; what if they are right and I'm wrong?  Then, memories surfaced of times when the Unseen One-- Jesus, my Lord-- had responded to cries for help, of times when His presence was real.  How could I say such a one did not exist when He had interacted with me?  He was too real, too personable for me to say He did not exist.  The doubts were thrust aside; God was more than a belief--He was real.

Those two defining moments anchored me for the time in which I now live-- my beloved husband and friend no longer walks hand in hand with me.  But there is Another, who assures me of His love and who also holds my hand.  I am even more assured now that He is real; that He loves me; that He is with me.  It is a knowing that has come from trying experiences, from doubts examined and set aside; and from that communication that is unheard, unseen, not tangible to the physical senses in any way, yet so very real.