Pastor’s Corner: “Unshakable Foundation”
Psalm 11:3 (NIV) – 3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
2 Timothy 2:19 (NIV) – 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”
As I am writing this devotional this morning, the foundation of our new home is being poured. They started working at 3:00am while it was still dark with spotlights and a large pump-truck with a giant crane and at least 15 people. Although today is a major production, the work of this foundation started long before this moment. It began with the planning and design. Then it moved into the addition of many loads of dirt and site preparation with very precise measurements done by lasers. It continued with a lot of digging and metal reinforcement for stability followed by plumbing and electrical pipe and conduit placed in the foundation. I am exhausted just thinking about all the work it entails.
This reminds me of how scripture teaches the importance of foundations. But the Bible is not talking about physical buildings or structures, rather God is teaching us about spiritual foundations and how they affect our lives. When we come to salvation in Jesus Christ, He goes to work on our foundation. New design and plans, new measurements, a lot of demolition of the existing foundation and massive amounts of digging with reinforcements for stability.
A proper foundation is not optional, it is a must! Jesus only gave two options for a foundation—sand or rock. Right now, you are either building your house on sand or rock. The foundation is your personal relationship with God … is it based in His Word, the Rock? You see, both houses looked good. The only difference was the foundation. Of course you can’t usually see the foundations, but in reality they’re the most important part of the building, so it will be a safe structure, and useful for the purpose for which it was intended. The glory is not in the house; it’s in the “foundation” upon which the house is built! The only reason I’m still standing through my storms and struggles is my foundation. I’ve got a rock under my feet, a true foundation , my precious Lord and savior Jesus Christ!
The one distinction between building on an unshakable foundation and a crumbling one is whether or not we put Christ’s words into practice. The question isn’t whether or not we hear His words, but whether we practice them as He enables us. There’s much wisdom offered to us in this world—plus lots of advice and help—and much of it is good and beneficial, but If we base our life on any foundation other than humble obedience to God’s truth, however, we invite trouble. In His strength, doing what God says is the only way to have a house, a life, built on rock.
What will your house do when the storm comes? Storms are no respecter of persons, they come crashing in on the saved and unsaved alike. If you are fasting, praying, and reading your Bible so the storm won’t come, you have it all wrong. You build your house on the rock not to avoid the storm, but to endure it. Fast, pray, and read your Bible so that when others are being blown away and attacked, you will still be standing.
When the enemy comes against you with all the forces of hell, and the shutters are rattling and the rain is beating down, remember, there is a God who is able to keep you safe. When everyone says give up, you can stand firm. Praise God. When your house is built on Jesus’ blood and righteousness, on Christ the solid rock, you’ll stand when all other ground is sinking sand. When you’ve done all you can do … STAND! Do not be shaken from your rock.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton