God has been showing me a lot lately about foundations. We all have some sort of foundation on which we build our lives. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus gives us two options: sand or rock. The Bible doesn’t go into much detail concerning the scenery, so bear with me as I think through this. I’m imagining one big beach; like in those “Aloha from Paradise!” postcards. I would say the scene is appropriate. I imagine a community of people with houses built upon the sand. Families have built their homes there for generations. So, it only makes sense that necessities like grocery stores, gymnasiums, and churches would follow. It doesn’t look unusual; in fact, it’s quite the lovely little town. Recently, a “new guy” moved in. He looked at all the homes resting upon the sand and knew their foundations weren’t stable. So, he got his plot of beach just like everyone else, and set to work, digging for rock. His neighbors respected his discipline but sighed inwardly. “How strange; like digging a hole to China. I’ve never seen anything like it.” To their great astonishment, the man hit rock, and began his life on solid ground. We know how the story ends. The rains came down and the floods came up. A strong wind rushed in and the house on the sand fell. The house on the rock, in turn, stayed strong.
Building on rock does not come naturally. It's not the easy option; but when the storm hits (cause the same storm
will hit those who've prepared and those who haven't) you will have stamina. When the storm hits, fear not. You've gotten this far-- has God let you down yet? Look back. He's given you each measure of diligence and provided for you through every step of "construction." Look forward. You will get through. Pray. Never forget you are loved. You're on sturdy ground.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you. | Isaiah 43:2
