The Soul Anchor [Hebrews 6:19] - January 1, 2025
As we come to the end of the year it is common to consider what the New Year will bring. Generally, when we contemplate a fresh start, we think about how good it will be – how we will keep all of our resolutions and be happier and healthier than we were the previous year. Frequently those goals and ideas don’t work out the way we plan, and we wonder how such good, simple plans could turn out wrong. This reminds me of one of my favorite illustrations.
Years ago, in the northeastern United States the sale of codfish was a big commercial business. People at that time just loved the taste of codfish and there was a strong market for eastern cod all over and especially on the West Coast where people missed a taste of the East. However, the strong demand for cod posed a problem for the shippers. At first, they froze the cod, then shipped them elsewhere, but the freezing took away much of the flavor. So, they experimented with shipping them alive, in tanks of seawater on railway cars, but that proved even worse. Not only was it more expensive, but the cod also still lost its flavor and, in addition, became soft and mushy. The texture was seriously affected.
Finally, some creative person solved the problem in a most innovative manner. The codfish were placed in the tank of water along with their natural enemy – the catfish. From the time the cod left the East Coast until it arrived at its westernmost destination, those ornery catfish chased the cod all over the tank. And, you guessed it, when the cod arrived at the market, they were as fresh as when they were first caught. There was no loss of flavor nor was the texture affected. If anything, it was better than before.
We all live in a tank of specific and inescapable circumstances. It is challenging enough to live a Godly life when left to our own devices. But in addition to our situation, there are "catfish" which God allows to bring sufficient tension to keeps us alive, alert, fresh and growing. It’s part of God’s plan to shape our character to be more like his Son. In truth, we are stronger when we fight for what we believe than when we are couch potatoes in life. In the New Testament the Apostle Paul had a catfish (thorn) in his life. He prayed that it would be removed but it was not. God used it to sharpen Paul.
Romans 8:28 says,
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Whatever you are facing this coming year you can rest assured that God is using it in your life to make you stronger. The next time you are tempted to question, “Why?” simply resolve to fight the catfish in your tank even harder.
God bless,
Pastor Frank
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