I was sending a message to a preacher friend in the Philippines this week and spoke of the non-official “stay-home order” given by our governor to help curb the spread of the corona virus. However, when typing in my message, I accidentally wrote the words “stay-hope.” While I quickly made the correction, I got to thinking - hasn’t God given us a “stay-hope” order for this pandemic?

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were tired of suffering for their new faith and wanted to return to observing the Law of Moses. The writer exhorted them to weather the temporary storm of suffering and remain faithful to Christ.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 6:19-20).

An anchor is thrown into the water and fixed on something solid. This connection keeps the boat from drifting off course or crashing into the rocks.

Hope is our anchor. Confident expectation of receiving God’s protection and God’s promises keeps us from being blown off course and shipwrecking our faith during the storms of life. Our hope keeps us connected to God, because it is anchored to “the Presence behind the veil” (the very presence of God in Heaven).

This pandemic rages on, but God’s “stay-hope” order remains. Maintain a firm grip on your anchor and keep your harbor light shining. This storm will end.