Matthew 7:27

New International Version (NIV)

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

For meditation

The first time I visited, I was pleasantly surprised. The approach in itself was breathtaking. Everything around this huge one hundred hectare land was sandy, with Baobab trees dotting the dry landscape. It was typically Senegalese, but that massive development ahead of me presented a contrast of scenery that was agreeable to my inquiring mind.

The tour did not disappoint either. As we drove in Eric’s Mitsubishi truck on the narrow, winding, wind-swept, clayey path around the farm enterprise he calls, Beersheba, I couldn’t help but admire his foresight and faith. He bought the land and left it fallow for ten years until the dry land slowly turned into a forest with diverse bird and animal population. A doubtful water exploration turned up with a deep spring of pure water for irrigation. When we got to the administration block, I was convinced it was a project for our village church to replicate.

A recent visit to this beautiful agricultural sanctuary, however, shocked me. Three huge cracks on three sides of the administration building threatened to collapse the building. Metal pylons supported the concrete roof, compromising the safety of staff. I wondered what happened; but the answer was simple. The foundation of the building was faulty and couldn’t hold the structure after a few years of glory in the sun. Finally, they pulled it down.

The Master was right. The foundation of every structure is the real deal. A structure raised on sand could promise no stability or durability. A stress test is administered when the weather turns ugly and the elements ferociously pound on it. Devastation is the result, and the builder is left to lament their loss. However, if the builder takes time to dig deep to the rock level before raising the structure, they secure a safe investment. No rain or wind can collapse it (Matt. 7:24-27). Jesus used this analogy to demonstrate the wisdom of obedience to His word, and the folly of our disobedience. Obedience starts with accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord. Unfortunately, many today are not being wise.

1. What is the story of your life?
2. How much investment have you put in its foundation?
3. On which kind of ground have you set the foundation – on the solid Rock, which is Christ, or on some other ground, which is all sinking sand?
4. Will it survive the stress test of the vicissitudes of this life?

I pray we remember in our assessment that “God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Tim. 2:19).

So: May we not bluff our way into self-destruction and unwanted pain when life tightens up; but may we stand on Jesus and lean on His faithfulness in all of life’s gales and storms.

Shalom