We are living in the last days. However long they last, these are the last
days. This means that there will be
storms brewing. Storms stronger than any we've faced yet in our Christian
lives. Are we ready to face them? Matthew
7 tells us the way to be secure when the storms of life arise is to have a
foundation built on The Rock, Christ.
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew destroyed thousands of homes in
South Florida. Yet in an area where the wreckage looked like a war zone, one
house remained standing, still firmly anchored to its foundation. When a
reporter asked the homeowner why his house had not been blown
away, he replied,
“I built this house myself. I also built it according to the Florida state
building code. When the code called for 2” x 6” roof trusses, I used 2” x 6”
roof trusses. I was told that a house built according to code could withstand a
hurricane—and it did.” (https://bible.org/seriespage/12-storm-warning-matthew-724-29)
Are our lives built according to code (God’s Word)? When the
storms of life arise we must:
1.
Obey the Words of the Lord. Jesus tells us in verse 24 that the way to
build a firm foundation is to obey his instructions. Psalm 119:1-3 “Blessed are those whose way is
blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his
testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but
walk in his ways!”
Storm: Our marriage is falling
apart. Firm Foundation Response: When
our marriage is falling apart and friends encourage us to divorce our spouse to
find happiness for ourselves and we choose to honor our marriage vows (Matthew
19:6 “Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has
joined together.”) and try to work things out.
2.
Be doers not just hearers of the Word. James 1:22 says, “But don’t just listen to
God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling
yourselves.”
Luke 11:28, Jesus replied, “But even more
blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
Storm: Loss of employment. Firm Foundation Response: When our income
doesn't meet
our bills and we choose to pay our tithes first. (Malachi 3:10 “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord
of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out
a blessing so great you
won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to
the test!”)
3.
Know on whom to call for help. Matthew 8:23-27
“Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples.
Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat.
But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord,
save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have
so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly
there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they
asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”
Even with Jesus in their boat the
disciples face a terrific storm. When
the storm arose they knew who to call. In
their moment of crisis they called out for Jesus to help. We too can call on the Lord when storms
arise. Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry
about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and
thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which
exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds
as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Storm: We are diagnosed with
illness. Firm Foundation Response: When
we are afraid and choose to cast our cares on Christ rather than wallow in fear
and defeat.
We all face storms in life but the true test of our foundation
is our response to those storms. Is our
response one of selfish disobedience and fear (weak foundation) or is it
obedience and faith (firm foundation)?
All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated.
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