Matthew 7:24-27
24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
I wish I could report that I am never the foolish woman who builds her house on the sand. I wish I could say that when doubt, fear or worry come my way, my first response is always to go to God’s Word and shore up my foundations. But that wouldn’t be the truth. The truth is that my response to the storms of life is kind of a mixed bag-some rock, some sand. Maybe that’s your story, too.
Crossroads is a living, breathing example to me. We’re growing quickly, and lots of exciting things are happening. Since we had our first service in our home on February 3rd of this year, we’ve had 25 first time decisions for Christ, and 45 have renewed their commitment. Since we moved to the College Cinema, our average weekly attendance is 170, including the 45 teens in The Garage on Wednesday nights. We have an amazing staff that includes pastors for youth, children’s, media arts, music, and small groups. We’ve married two couples, and we have a dozen people signed up for our first baptism service on October 5th. Sounds great, right?
But what about when things aren’t going so well, when we have opportunities to doubt or fear? What do I do when attendance is flat, or giving is down, when volunteers are few, or inspiration is in short supply? Those are the times I have the opportunity to “put these things into practice”, and be the wise woman who builds her house on the rock. What does that mean? It means that instead of relying on what we see, we rely on what we believe. I may see that the offering is less than the bills, but I believe Philippians 4:19, that God will provide everything I need. What we see is always subject to change, it’s the sand the foolish woman builds her house on. But what we believe, if it’s God’s Word, is the solid, immovable foundation the wise woman builds her life upon. I want to build fewer sand castles this year!
Prayer for Today:Father, You always keep Your promises. Help me to look not at the things which are seen, which are subject to change, but to always keep my eyes on Your unchanging Word. Help me to build my life on the solid foundation of Your truth, so when the storms of life blow, I will stand strong. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
3 comments:
I'm with you...fewer sandcastles, more rock solid God foundations!
Sometimes I think we often forget the power of the Word. Its not our presentation of it or if we use big words...its the Word itself and how we apply it to our lives. If we continue to plant roots (not just by reading, but by doing), our foundation gets stronger and stronger. Have a strong foundation and the storm can come but you are grounded. I to often run the other way when troubles come...worry, fear, doubt...buts its when I turn my focus back on His Word that I gain confidence, joy, and hope. Thank you for sharing that you also struggle sometimes with "stone, pebbles, and sand."
So true. We don't grow strong in the absence of life's storms, but in the weathering of them, anchored in the Word.
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