ODJ: clinging to hope

September 9, 2014 

READ: Hebrews 6:13-20 

Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us (v.18).

During the summer of 2011 Dave Mull spent nearly 4 hours adrift and alone in the rolling waves of Lake Michigan, America, clinging only to the handles of a cool box. The boat Dave had been fishing in had suddenly capsized and sank 5 miles offshore, forcing him and his three companions into the deep, troubled waters. Before Dave became separated from the others, he selflessly surrendered his life jacket to one of his friends who was struggling to hang on to the floating cool box.
Eventually, the four were rescued. Dave was the first, found by another fishing boat. He broke down in tears when the Coast Guard later announced over the radio that all four persons in the water had been safely located.

Until Dave was found, no one knew the men were in trouble. The boat tipped over and sank so fast that they didn’t have time to send out a radio distress call. Still, Dave knew he wasn’t alone. He said later, “It’s hard to explain, but I don’t know when I’ve ever felt more in God’s hand. I never lost the hope that I was going to be found.”

Dave’s soul clung to that hope the way his hands gripped the cool box. His story reminds me of how the book of Hebrews directs us to ”hold to the hope that lies before us” (6:18).

The greatest hope we can ever cling to is centred in the promises of God that are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. In describing this hope, the book of Hebrews goes on to compare it to an “anchor” for the soul that is “strong and trustworthy” (v.19). It’s a hope that is based in a relationship with God and His Son (v.20).

No matter what the circumstances, it’s the hope found in Jesus that steadies our souls. He’s the true stabilising One who keeps us afloat.

—Jeff Olson

365-day plan› Matthew 25:1-30