“Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” Luke 6:47-48
For some time now, I’ve been watching what will ultimately be a large developed piece of property just outside of our neighborhood. When finished, I suspect that we will see yet another apartment complex or a group of large office buildings. Whatever the outcome, it will be huge!
It is clear to the visible eye that the landscape on this particular piece of property is changing and being made ready for strong and lasting foundations. Before that can occur, a lot of preparation of the land needs to be done. The first step has been finished…to clear all of the unsightly brush and scrubby trees from the property, thereby leveling the ground. That which was not necessary and would be a hindrance to the building process has been stripped away and hauled to a recycling center. Using heavy machinery, the contractor continues to pack layer upon layer of good soil, smooths it out, and then waters it. These steps are being repeated all day long. Day. After. Day. No doubt this property is being well prepared for buildings that will rest upon firm and lasting foundations.
You know, friends, there is another type of foundation that came to mind as I’ve been watching the progress on this site. While it is a foundation not to be compared to an earthly one, the two do have similarities. Of course, I am referring to a spiritual foundation. What we see in this piece of property at this stage of the process is only the beginning of something far greater. The final outcome takes time, the right tools, and someone who knows what they are doing.
Throughout my lifetime, God has put others in my path to help reinforce and build on the early spiritual foundation I received as a child. I’ve been blessed to have strong pastors who proclaim the truth of God’s Word. How thankful I am that my spiritual foundation has been strengthened through powerful messages from those pastors, personal time with the Lord, regular prayer time, Bible studies, small groups, mission trips, Christian music, and fellowship with others of like mind. God has put His Word into my hands so that I might steadily develop a stronger spiritual foundation, held firmly and securely by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All of these things have played a role in a spiritual foundation meant to never be shaken. Oh, I know that the storms of life have come and will come again. Many have left me battered and torn. And may I never forget that the hard times in life have served to reinforce my total dependence upon God. As I’ve experienced hurt, pain, disappointment, grief, and at times the consequences of sin, I can truthfully say these traumatic and unpleasant times have been the catalyst that has brought me to where I am today—totally reliant on Someone other than myself.
Just as the landscape is changing on the property up the road, we can rest assured that God is always working to shape our faith and change us in such a way that our spiritual foundation will always remain strong and unshakable. If we ask and allow Him to, He will strip us of those unsightly hindrances that would prevent us from growing in our faith. He will take them to the recycling center of His love and make us someone who more closely resembles Himself, and someone who will not be ashamed or afraid of sharing the Good News with others as often as He allows.
Abiding in Jesus—remaining steadfast and confident in Him, taking advantage of the tools He provides for our spiritual growth, and living a focus-centered life in Christ will enable us to stand strong on our spiritual foundation through every season and every circumstance that lies ahead.
The ground is level at the foot of the Cross and our heavenly Father will always meet us there. He is ready and so very willing to help you and me begin building a strong and lasting spiritual foundation.
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