As a child, I remember my Mother reading a story book to me about a two men - one who built his house on the sand, and one who build his house on the rock. Each section of the story was written as a poem and it rhymed. I would ask my Mom to sit with me and read the book to me over and over. The pictures were intriguing, and I noticed the expressions on the faces of the men as they experienced the "storms of life." The rain and wind came, the water rose and, in the book, the men scrambled to get to higher ground. The story book pictured the family of each man, and they were also experiencing the storm, and the effects of his decisions, and the foundation he choose to build his life on.
Matthew 7:24- 27
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them,
I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine,
and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house
on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came,
and the winds blew and beat on that house;
and it fell. And great was its fall.”
This passage is found toward the end of Jesus' famous "Sermon on the Mount." Jesus was teaching his disciples and other followers about the choice we have when we are "building our life." The options for a foundation are: Rock or Sand. The "sand" represents the uncertainty of this world's ways, our own selfish desires, and the changing and shifting sands that cannot firmly support a structure. The "rock" represents the strong, firm, unchanging attributes of God and His Word. When we choose to build our life on the Rock - Jesus, we can be certain that He is a firm foundation.
In this passage, we find that the storms of life fall on both those who have built their life on the rock and the sand. We live in a world with sin, and because of that we will face problems, trials, temptations, and struggles. Foundation is defined as "the basis or groundwork, the act of founding, setting up, establishing." As we face the storms and floods of life, we want to be sure that we have established or set up our life on the Rock - Jesus Christ, and His Word. We can trust that He is strong and secure, and put our faith in Him for our life now, and our eternal salvation.
Based on their choices, Jesus referred to the men as either "wise" or "foolish." When we hear or read Jesus' teachings, a response is required. To do nothing is also a response. If we hear His Words, but do not act on what we have learned, we are living a foolish life. If we hear Jesus' teachings and actually put into action and live out what He says, He calls us wise. A life lived apart from Jesus and His teachings will be a life filled with regret. In contrast, a life lived according to Jesus' teachings will be a life filled with blessings.
Reflect on the above Scriptures and be honest with yourself. Have you have been like the wise or foolish person? In what areas of your life do you need to learn and implement Jesus' teachings?
Prayer Tip #26 - Build Your Life On the Rock of Christ
Prayer Points - Pray over these requests:
Ask God to help you build your life on Him and His Word.
Thank Jesus that He is the Everlasting Rock, a firm foundation.
Ask God to give you wisdom to see where you are building your life on sand.
Ask God to show you where you are not living out His teachings.
Tell the Lord that you want to put His teachings into practice so that you can be wise.
Suggested Prayer - Pray these words in your heart or out loud:
Father God,
I come before you in Jesus' Name and I praise You for being the Rock that I can build my life on. You are a firm foundation that I can trust when the storms, winds, and rains of this life come. I thank You that You are unchanging, strong and secure. You have the words of eternal life. Help me to not only hear your teachings, but to put them into practice. I want to be a wise person and live a life that honors You. Help me to implement the small things that I already know will honor You. I do not want to live a foolish life by hearing your Words, and not putting them into practice. Please open my eyes to the ways that I am fooling myself by not living out the Scriptures. I pray that You would be my firm foundation today and always.
In the Mighty Name of Jesus I pray, Amen!