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Sand and Stone
by Ryan Duncan, Editor at TheFish.com
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
Psalms 89:14
There are a lot of things I like about living in Richmond, Virginia. The city is interesting, the people are nice, and there are plenty of things to see if you take the time to look around. Even the winters aren’t that bad. Growing up in Chicago I’m used to mounds of snow, sheering wind, and escaping wolves while traversing the snowdrifts, so the mild Richmond weather has been pretty underwhelming. Still, when I stepped outside one March and was hit by a green wave of summer, I couldn’t help scrapping all my earlier plans to spend the day outdoors.
I made my way to the James River and burned a few hours roaming the local jogging trails. At one point the trail passed by a low alcove near the water and, on a whim, I decided to climb down for a better look. Halfway down I realized I was in trouble. The hill was made of sand, and no matter how much I tried I couldn’t get a solid footing. I ended up stumbling my way down the hill, certain my next step would end in a broken neck and it wasn’t until I managed to jump on top of a large rock that I was finally able to steady myself.
As I stood there, dusting myself off, I couldn’t help but remember Christ’s words about spiritual foundations.
"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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching. – Matthew 7:24-29
It’s easy to say you don’t need Christ when life is good and the weather is sunny. But when the storms of life happen, if you don’t have God you won’t have anything to cling to. There will be days when trials and tribulations beat down on you like wind and rain, but as long as you stand on Christ’s promise there is hope of weathering the storm. So stand firm and stay strong, because eventually the skies will clear and you’ll know Christ is with you.
Intersecting Faith and Life
What kind of foundation are you building your life on?
Further Reading
Isaiah 28
