Built To Last

I know I am not the only one who has heard the talks about building our lives on a firm foundation, so that when storms come, what we have built will remain unshaken and undestroyed.

I realize that this statement can be interpreted and applied in various ways.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because at one point in my life I built things with the knowledge of this verse but the understanding of it came a bit later.

As people of faith, we understand the importance of surrendering our lives to God. We diligently pray for our businesses, jobs, children, husbands and families and everything we desire, seeking God's guidance and aligning our desires with His.

When we witness the fulfillment of our long-held prayers, we recognize them as answered prayers from God. We believe that since these blessings are given to us by God and we have faithfully prayed for them, no one can take them away.

We have heard the saying, "What is meant for us, no one can take away from us," and we firmly believe that once God has given us something, it will last forever. We believe that because of our faith in attaining these, we have built the foundation on solid rock.

However, sometimes it seems as if we are experiencing loss and failure in life. We may lose our jobs, our spouses may leave us, our children may go astray, or our businesses may go bankrupt. These are the storms that Jesus spoke about, which can sweep away everything we have built, even those things that were constructed with faith and what we perceive to be firm foundation.

It becomes evident that storms affect everyone, including those who walk in faith. Remember Job?

“In the land of UZ there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil,” Job 1:1.

There is a promise that when we build our house on a solid foundation, it will stand firm regardless of what happens. However, this promise does not pertain to the material possessions or temporary things we acquire. It is about us as individuals. You and I are the house that Jesus referred to.

“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.” Matthew 7:24-27 NIV.

Jesus instructs us to anchor ourselves in the Word and practice what it says, so that when challenges arise and our “things” are swept away like a flood or blown away by strong winds, YOU , YOUR faith can withstand the storm.

I like this passages in the Bible, where Jesus asks His disciples who people think He is. This interaction holds great significance, particularly in the way Peter responds.

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Jesus asks but what about you? Who do you say I am?

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Despite his imperfections, Peter had a profound experience with the Messiah. He gained a revelation of who Jesus truly was. His perception of God shifted from a consensus of others' opinions to a personal knowledge and understanding of Jesus as the Messiah.

Jesus declares that upon this rock, referring to Peter as rock, God will build His church, and the forces of darkness will not prevail against it. Even if the physical church were to be destroyed, Peter, as the solid foundation built on Jesus, would have the ability to rebuild it over and over again. His foundation would remain unshaken.

I am sharing this message today because I am aware of the difficulties life can bring. I mean, have we met? I understand the violence that Satan unleashes upon us, and I recognize that no matter how righteous we are or how fervently we pray and fast for our "things," those things can be taken from us.

God desires for us to have blessings and possessions, but He is primarily concerned about who we are inside and developing a character. When life presents its challenges, as it often does, remember that YOU are the house that Jesus spoke of.

Although it is my prayer and wish that you live a full life, a life that is full of joy and all the wonderful blessings; it is my hope that when adversity strikes, that you won’t fall apart.

Be so deeply rooted in the Word of God, connected to His Spirit, understanding your purpose, and able to stand firm in your faith.

Just thoughts....

Nontobeko