Anchored: Navigating Life’s Storms with Unwavering Faith

Rome, Italy, is often called the Eternal City, and I find that designation particularly fitting. Strolling through its historic cobblestone streets reveals a captivating blend of the old and the new. Harsh graffiti adorns modern buildings while high-speed trains glide past ancient ruins, drawing tourists from around the world to witness the remnants of a once-mighty empire. Landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon stand as testimony to past glory, yet what makes Rome truly eternal, in my view, is the enduring presence of the gospel and the movement of Christ through His church.

On our honeymoon, Justin and I had the absolute joy of exploring this incredible city together. Yes, we indulged in all the pasta and gelato our hearts desired — but we also had a few must-see stops on our list. As an artist, Justin was especially excited to see the Sistine Chapel with his own eyes. And y’all … standing there, neck craned, taking in the sweeping masterpiece Michelangelo painted across the ceiling — this stunning visual of the Bible’s redemption story — I was in awe. One man, one brush, one vision, and yet it tells our story. God’s story. It’s something I’ll never forget.

As a Bible teacher and lover of church history, I knew visiting the catacombs was essential. These underground tunnels, lined with ancient tombs and symbols of unwavering faith, served as gathering places for believers during times of intense persecution. Standing in these sacred spaces moved me deeply, a profound reminder that our faith is built on the courage of those who chose Jesus, even when it cost them everything.

I vividly remember the chill in the catacombs as I descended into the dark. My footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls as my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I beheld carvings left by early Christians. Among the various symbols, I was struck by one recurring image: the anchor. Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe notes that there are at least 66 anchors in the Roman catacombs, prompting me to ponder its significance. Why did the early Christians choose the anchor as a symbol of faith?

Anchors are powerful. They keep ships steady when waves rise and winds howl. Hidden beneath the surface, they hold fast when everything else feels like it’s drifting.  That’s why the anchor has become such a rich symbol of hope, security, and steadfast faith. As the writer of Hebrews said: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Heb. 6:19).

For early Christians, the anchor wasn’t just a nautical tool — it was a secret sign of their unshakable trust in Jesus. In a time of persecution and fear, they clung to the truth that their hope wasn’t rooted in comfort or safety, but in a Savior who had conquered death. Their faith wasn’t a passing emotion. It was anchored deep in the love of Christ — secure, steady, and eternal. As the apostle Peter wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:3-5).

Contemplating anchors, I can’t help but think of Peter. A fisherman-turned-apostle, he knew the sea’s chaos intimately. He also knew what it meant to waver in faith — to sink in fear, to stumble in pride. But Peter also knew what it meant to be held by grace. His story is a reminder that storms will come. Waves will crash. But Jesus never lets us go. And when our faith is anchored in Christ, we don’t drift; we overcome.

The beauty of an anchor is that it doesn’t need to be seen to do its job.  The same is true of our faith. We might not always feel strong. We might not always see the way forward. But if our lives are anchored in Christ, we can stand firm. Quietly. Steadily. Powerfully.

Studying the epistles of 1 and 2 Peter reminds us that life’s storms will come, but our hope in Jesus is what holds us steady. While Peter doesn’t use the word anchor, the imagery is there — faith that’s tested, refined, and rooted in grace. We’re not strong because life is easy; we’re strong because Christ holds us. Peter calls us to stand firm, trust God’s promises, and let our lives testify that He is faithful — even when the waves rise: “The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while” (1 Pet. 5:10).

I’ll never forget our time standing in the catacombs, surrounded by ancient symbols carved by believers who whispered prayers in the dark. Their hope wasn’t in their strength; it was in Jesus.  They weren’t trying to escape the storm. They just knew where to set their anchor.

Friend, maybe you’ve faced some storms of your own — loss, heartbreak, uncertainty, betrayal. I know I have. But I’ve learned — sometimes the hard way — that real hope isn’t found in easy answers or perfect outcomes. It’s found in Jesus. And He is enough. So let’s be people who carve anchors into the walls of our hearts — faithful, rooted, unshaken. Let’s leave a legacy that says, “We didn’t drift. We didn’t run. We stood firm — because Christ held us.” In a world that feels like it’s constantly shifting, may we point others to the only anchor that never fails: the unchanging, unwavering love of Jesus.

This article by Marian Jordan Ellis first appeared in the October 2025 edition of Mature Living Magazine. To read more from Marian, check out her new Bible study: Anchored: The Life and Letters of the Apostle Peter.

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