The Right Foundation

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
–2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Jesus said whoever hears the Word of God and acts on it “may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). The word for “rock” in Greek refers to a massive layer of bedrock underneath the topsoil. The person who builds his life around following God is like a person who builds on solid bedrock. The truth is, people change, circumstances change, and relationships change, but God’s Word never changes. The psalmist said, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven” (119:89). That is why God’s Word and obedience to it is the only proper foundation on which to build a life.

Why was it a wise choice for this man to build his house upon the rock? Look at verse 25: “The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house.” One of the greatest mistakes Christians make is believing we get an exemption from problems in life. Jesus promised in John 16:33, “In the world you have tribulation.” Being a follower of His does not exempt you from problems; it guarantees problems.

Yet many Christians are absolutely shaken to their foundation when problems enter their lives. Whenever they are struck with illness, lose a loved one, or go through financial crisis, they wonder, “What is going on here, Lord?” Look at 1 Peter 4:12-13: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” Peter was saying, “Quit being surprised when you go through difficult times. That is part of the plan.”

The wise man who built his house upon the rock endured his share of storms, and so will we. But notice the result of this storm: “[The house] did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock” (Matthew 7:25). The house was damaged, but it was not destroyed.

Perhaps you are going through a storm in your life right now. What is the key to surviving the storm? It is having the right foundation: obedience to Jesus Christ regardless of the cost. Paul talked about that kind of perseverance in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” That is the promise for everyone who builds his life upon Jesus Christ.

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Today’s devotion is excerpted from “How Firm Is Your Foundation?” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2008.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org