This week we had a lot of rain which resulted in flooded roads. One particular spot that flooded was near a housing development which had a brand-new road. Although it looked nice, the drainage was designed poorly.
The area functioned normally until a storm hit.
That’s what can happen to us too.
Jesus talks about this same scenario in Matthew chapter 7:
“These words I speak to you are not accidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit – but nothing moved that house. It was fixed on the rock.
“But if you use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.” Matthew 7: 24-27 (MSG)
I’m sure you have heard this parable before, but this time really think about it.
If a storm hit you right now, would you be standing or washed away?
I certainly know if I am not careful, my house can be built on performance, people pleasing, and spiraling thoughts.
Let’s be honest, It’s so easy to get caught up in thinking about outward appearances instead of the heart.
That’s not a sturdy foundation to build on.
You know what is?
- Trust
- Healthy prayer life
- Scripture memorization
- Strong friendships (who point you to God)
- A relationship with your heavenly Father
- Humility
- Surrendering control
If your foundation is grounded in faith in God, your house will not fall. You may need to make minor repairs, but the storm will not take you out.
There was a period in my life when it seemed like I was being hit by one storm after another. What should’ve swept me under by a tidal wave, only managed to shake me.
It’s like standing in the eye of a hurricane, with chaos swirling all around, yet feeling an unshakable peace within your heart.
I had learned to build my house the right way. All of the trials I had faced before prepared me for the storm.
Outside looking in, you would wonder how someone could survive this?
Everyone who has a testimony knows; the STORM MAKES YOU STRONGER – it makes you resilient!
A verse I love to mediate on when I’m in the middle of a storm is Psalm 23:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil! Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
This is what David wrote remembering how God guided, protected, and cared for all his needs. And David went through A LOT!
Now it’s your turn- think about what you are building your house on and ask God to reveal any “repairs” you need to make. Find a verse that speaks to you and let that be the beginning of a new foundation.
