Foundations

"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."

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Matthew 7:24-29

It's a funny thing about the wind and rain... it will come. The question isn't if you need a roof or not, you need a roof. It's going to rain. Have a roof or get wet, eventually. Those are your options. The storms Jesus describes here are not the gentle Fall rains in Oregon, but the Category 4 storms that can rip walls from one another. Guess what! Those storms will come too. It's not a matter of 'if,' but 'when' they will come. Get ready. Jesus offers Himself and His teaching as the foundation for life. When the Category 4, life-shaking storms of life come, those who have built their lives on Him will endure. Any other foundation is shifting sand. A gentle Fall rain is disconcerting to that life (stuff's getting wet around the edges!) and a Category 2 means disaster. Much of life is spent moving the foundation around on shifting sand... and because it's on sand, you can. It's a mobile home, but don't snooze! Don't forget to run from storms or you're history. You can do it, but you're living in paranoia. You're running scared. And do you know how hard it is to have meaningful relationships when you're running? It's hard.

I'd rather be a Storm Chaser! Storms can be scary, but if you're safe and secure in-doors they can be fun. My security comes from having Jesus as my foundation. When I'm in Him, I'm safe. When He is my priority, I'm secure. This storm will pass. The sunshine is arriving soon.

Lord Jesus, I do not trust the security that I can provide for myself. It's a mirage. I need You. Be my rock and strong tower this day.