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19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Heb 6:19-20 NIV Recently I found myself hanging 50ft off a cliff in a driving hailstorm. As I composed myself and prepared for the slick struggle to the top, I thanked God for a secure anchor and a strong belayer. I also reminisced about how I’d come to be in this position in the first place. At Ascend we have a value known as “follow me, I know the way.” Basically this value is a commitment to the know the territory we are guiding people in before bringing people there. It’s difficult to take someone someplace you’ve never been. Because of this value, we spend a great deal of time scouting new areas. This is how I ended up drenched and pelted by marble sized hail suspended from the end of a rope. My climbing partner and I had come out to Colorado Bend to scout out a new area and had been caught unexptedly by a fast moving afternoon thunderstorm. This standard of only guiding what you have personally experienced is very important to us at Ascend, and applies to more than just scouting new areas. We believe that in our spiritual lives it is impossible to lead someone somewhere you have never been. The writer of Hebrews tells us that Christ went before us into the very Holy of Holies, and set an anchor for our souls. Every time I go ahead of a group and construct an anchor for them to climb on, or teach my guides to do the same, I’m reminded of the spiritual anchor that Christ has set for all who will place their faith and trust in Him. Wecan climb with confidence and joy knowing that our guide Jesus has gone before us and set a secure anchor that is unshakeable. I’m so thankful that I serve a God who is present with me as I press ever onward in my journey of life. He is not like a traffic cop standing at an intersection barking orders. He’s not just giving impersonal bump and run directions. Christ has gone before me to prepare a place for me. He knows the route and every possible pitfall. He lovingly stands ahead of me on the path and with compassionate eyes urges, “Follow me, I know the way.” I can lead others to Him in confidence because He is leading me. My prayer is that you are daily relying on the only one who truly knows you and lovingly offers to accompany you on your journey, leading all the way. He knows the depth of every sorrow, struggle, and joy you could possibly experience. He’s been there before you and He will guide you and aid you all the way home.