Wednesday’s Encouraging Word – Foundation Determines Strength

Foundation Determines Strength

Foundation Determines Strength

The depth of any foundation you create and what you build on will govern the height and size of the structure. This is the same in your personal life, especially when it comes to your own character and emotional EQ.

According to the [remarkable] grace of God which was given to me [to prepare me for my task], like a skillful master builder I laid a foundation, and now another is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 AMP

Architects Know Foundations Are Not Boring

All throughout history, in earthquakes, hurricanes, and storms, there are buildings turned to rubble because their foundations were not strong enough to bear up the structure under extreme duress. No one in their right mind builds a structure believing that it could fall in a storm. Although you might think that most people know the importance of a foundation that is deep and strong…..When it comes to constructing a building, architects will tell you that customers often don’t want to be bothered by the major construction details. They find them boring.

Glitzy Versus Stability

For example, an architect tells the story of one billionaire software developer who had a house built and the siding was rotting even before it was finished. Was he just too busy to notice? He gave input on the glitzy and frilly features of the structure, yet he didn’t concern himself with the foundation, which determines the structure’s strength, stability, longevity and true value.

What Foundation Are You Building On?

This example shows that people don’t notice the quality of a foundation because it is unseen. However, in severe weather, a building’s quality becomes evident. Taking this example just a little further, everything in life is built upon a foundation: your family, your career, or even your faith. So, the question becomes—What foundation are you building the structures of your life upon?

Investing Time Correctly Creates Value

Laying a decent foundation can be a long, dirty, and messy process. It may seem uninspiring, even tedious and dull, but without it, everything will just come crashing down at the first sign of pressure or shaking. We need to see and spend time asking ourselves what are we putting all our efforts into? Are we striving to maintain the status quo, our image, or even a material lifestyle that brings us no value except for the “stuff” we have around us?

Or are we putting our efforts into foundational things, like our relationship with God, and our relationship with family, friends, and colleagues? Are we investing time in building strength from the Word of God in order to develop our character, integrity, and God-given purpose? Are we digging deep to find our true identity in Christ, which will not only transform our own lives but the lives of others around us?

Jesus said, Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock (Matthew 7:24-25 NIV).

Building On Rock Is Hard

Houses built on sand or other poor foundations may be quick, cheap, and easy to construct. They may even provide short-term, temporary comfort, shelter and gratifications, but they won’t last.To build on rock is hard. It takes a lot of time and effort, foresight, wisdom and perseverance, but the results will always be worth it! And, the structure’s true value will always increase over time.

Preparation Time Is Never Wasted Time

If you’re not sure what foundation you’re building on, watch and listen to what happens when a storm hits. That’s when you will find out for sure! Remember that preparation time is never wasted time, especially when you try to stand strong in those stormy conditions. A house built on rock will withstand the same storm that levels those built on sand. Simply put, there are no shortcuts that stand the test of a storm.

Build For The Generations

The confidence you have when you take the time to build a strong foundation is that others can carry on where you have left off, knowing that it will not fall. If you have built using kingdom principles, and your foundation is centered around the true Cornerstone, Jesus Christ, then your ceiling should become the floor of the next generation: For no one can lay a foundation other than the One which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Just remember the encouraging word—our character and nature is the result of commitment, consistency, and building according to the divine principles of God’s Word. When we make these things the foundation of our lives, we’ll weather through any situation or storm that may come our way.

 

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