““These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.” (Matt. 7:24-25)
But what happens when you are the smart carpenter and it appears that your house is not as secure as you thought?
I can think of several seasons when the turbulent weather of my life rocked my “house.” Sometimes, it felt like it would collapse. Inside, we felt the torrent winds knocking against it.. Job loss. Broken bones. Mental Illness. Disappointment. Unexpected financial setbacks. Chronic illness. Marital stress. Trauma. Lost pregnancies.
Often, looking at others’ homes led to confusion, disappointment, and jealousy. Their houses were built on sand but they seemed pretty secure. In fact, the surrounding landscape seemed to flourish and become more colorful and vibrant by the day. Mine seemed kind of shabby in comparison.
Does God not see what’s happening?
Am I not praying “right?”
Does building on rock even make a difference?
Yet, I realized that looks can be deceiving. A lot of destruction can be taking place behind closed doors. What appears captivating from the outside can really be a facade.
Sure, my house is a bit weathered. It bears some dents and cracks. But those features speak of its resilience to the forces around it. No matter how intense the storm, the foundation will never give way. Never.
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Never ever!
Love the courage here, Stephanie!
As for my house…
First the tide went out, way out,
and then there was a hush.
A sudden roar, like God’s shout,
and the water came with a rush.
‘Twas tsunami, deep and wide,
and taller than the trees;
no place to run, nor to hide,
still…everybody flees.
It swept away all the stuff
that wasn’t nailed down.
what was nailed down it treated rough
its wreckage swept around.
And so, what to do, just then?
Get out my board, be hangin’ ten.
#2 at FMF this wee.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2019/02/your-dying-spouse-578-die-like-you-are.html
Beautiful words, Stephanie. Made me think of some of the older women I know, the ones who have stepped into age gracefully. The joys and hardships of life are etched across their faces. They aren’t “beautiful” according to society, but they radiate the kind of loveliness that comes from knowing the Lord and knowing themselves. I want to be like them.
Love that example Marie.
defintely isn’t always easy to build on rock. but once it’s built… it’s unshakeable isn’t it?
Amen! My house looks a little tattered and weathered, too, but I know where it’s sitting!