Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Firm Foundation

Ever wonder what makes a house stable; able to withstand storm after storm?  Recently I was looking at a video about adding on an addition. The builders started by pouring a good foundation; about 42” deep.  However, if it were my home, I would be tempted to go even deeper into the ground.  Although many things need to be considered; one big concern would be how much of a load the foundation can bear at its roughest time, while also considering how the ground shifts in various locations during different seasons. Skyscrapers need a deeper foundation in comparison to a house, so clearly the deeper the foundation, there would be a better chance the building will be able to withstand a devastating and unexpected storm. If the foundation is deep & solid, the building will most likely remain standing even if the outside of the building takes a beating and looks a bit scarred.

And so goes our relationship with the Lord. 

Throughout the years of walking with the Lord, it’s been a learning experience.  However, as I continued to draw closer to Him, the foundation His Word poured into my life would soon take the challenge of standing during the most crucial trials I was forced to experience.  When I look back at the many times our family faced devastating situations, it is so clear to me that I was able to weather the storm only because of the foundation I have in knowing the faithfulness of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.  Trust me when I say that my foundation got shaky more times than I can recount.  But by His grace, He gave me the ability to withstand the horrendous storms I’ve faced.  And yes; the outside of my building is a bit battered, bruised and beaten down.  But rest assured, because of His mercy, I’m still standing! 

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:24-27 NIV, "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. The 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. But 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

And so I ask you, “How Stable Is Your Foundation?” Maybe you think it’s too late.  But let me encourage you that it’s never too late to make a fresh start with the Lord.  Don’t wait until you come crashing down.  Take time right now to renew your relationship with the Lord.  It’s as simple as asking the Lord to forgive you of all your sins. Then get back into His Word and allow the Holy Spirit to dig your foundation deeper. 

Or maybe you’ve never accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Well it’s not too late for you either.  You’ll need to repent of your sins too and then ask the Lord to be your personal Savior.  With the Lord, there is forgiveness for your sins.  In 1 John 1:9 NLT we are told, “But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”

What are you waiting for?  Get into God’s Word, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.  Starting a small foundation is better than none at all.  But as you grow in the things of God, allow yourself to build even a deeper foundation with Him.  Don’t place limits on the depth He desires you to be in your relationship with Him.   Remember, the deeper your foundation in Christ, the better you will be able to withstand the storms life brings your way.  And storms will come; it’s inevitable.  And I promise……It won’t always be an easy journey, but you will never regret the decision to serve Him!  And if you ever do think you’d be better off without Him; ask yourself one simple question. How much more difficult would your journey be without Him?

“So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.  Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.  We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 NLT
Don’t waste another minute; start building your foundation; brink by brink.  And remember to make Jesus the “Corner Stone” in your life and allow Him to direct your steps! 

Be blessed my family & friends!  Praying God’s continued favor to shine over you with true hope, grace & mercy that only comes from Him.
Love you all!

Cyndy

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