Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike. None of us are exempt from life’s downpours—unexpected trials, heartbreaking setbacks, or gut-wrenching betrayals. We don’t get to choose when the storm rolls in, but we can choose where we build. That’s why our foundation matters. Because when everything around us is shaking, only what is rooted in Christ will remain.

Going through this ongoing lawsuit with the builder of our home—now entering its second year—has been one of the most stressful, frustrating, and exhausting seasons of my life. At times, it has felt like an unrelenting storm. But here’s the truth I’ve clung to: because Christ is my foundation, this storm has not destroyed me—it’s drawn me deeper into Him. He has been my source, my shelter, and my strength. And even here—especially here—I choose to worship, to trust, and to keep my eyes on Jesus above the waves.

The parable of the wise and foolish builders, found in Matthew 7:24–27 and Luke 6:47–49, is one of the most profound illustrations Jesus gave. Two men build homes. One digs deep and builds on rock; the other chooses sand. Then the rain comes. The winds howl. The floodwaters rise. Both houses are tested, but only one stands—the one anchored to the rock.

The storm didn’t expose the builder’s skill—it exposed the strength of their foundation.

This parable is less about architecture and more about application. Jesus said the wise man is the one who hears His words and puts them into practice. The foolish man also hears, but chooses not to act. Both builders had access to truth, but only one allowed it to shape his decisions and secure his life.

This is a story about obedience. About trust. About daily living out what we believe—even when it costs us something.

What It Means to Build on the Rock

The rock is Jesus—the unchanging, unshakable Word of God. Building on Him means aligning every area of life—our values, our decisions, our relationships, our identity—with His truth. It means we don’t just believe in Him—we build on Him.

That kind of building is rarely easy. It’s hard to forgive when bitterness feels justified. It’s hard to remain honest when cutting corners could give relief. It’s hard to stay faithful when it feels like your prayers are hitting the ceiling. But choosing to live according to God’s Word, even in the storm, is what keeps our lives from collapsing.

Storms Reveal Foundations

Notice Jesus didn’t say if the storm comes—He said when. Being grounded in Christ doesn’t mean life will be pain-free. It means we’ll have peace in the pain. Strength in the shaking. Hope when everything else feels hopeless.

You may be in a storm right now—legal battles, family drama, financial strain, or emotional weariness. If your life is anchored in Jesus, you may feel the pressure, but you won’t be crushed. You might cry, but you won’t cave. Because when Christ is your foundation, you can survive what would sink someone else.

Sometimes, we need a few doors to close before the right one opens. Like security doors sealing off access, God sometimes shuts things down—not to punish us, but to protect us. This lawsuit? It might just be the closing chapter before a better one begins. Maybe God is tearing down what was faulty so He can build something stronger.

And even if this chapter is filled with uncertainty, God isn’t finished. He rebuilds what’s broken. Restores what’s stolen. Resurrects what’s dead. And repurposes every storm for your good and His glory.

How to Build on the Rock

Here are some practical ways to dig deep and anchor your life in Christ:

1. Obey Immediately – When God speaks, act. Don’t delay. Delayed obedience is disobedience in disguise.
2. Deepen Spiritual Habits – Stay in God’s Word. Pray daily. Worship even when it hurts. These habits build spiritual muscle.
3. Lean into Community – Don’t try to weather the storm alone. God often uses others to help hold us up.
4. Check Your Foundation – Ask yourself: Am I standing on truth—or on emotion, fear, or public opinion?
5. Let Trials Strengthen You – The pressure you feel isn’t the end. It’s proof your faith is being refined.

A Word of Encouragement

You’re not building alone. The Holy Spirit is your Helper. He guides your hands and strengthens your heart. If it feels like slow progress, don’t be discouraged. Strong structures take time. And God is not just after a quick fix—He’s after a firm foundation.

The house built on the rock might not be flashy. It might not stand out to the world. But it will stand the test of time. Because it’s not about what others see—it’s about what holds when everything else falls apart.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for being my Rock, my refuge, and my steady ground. When the winds of life beat against me, help me remain anchored in Your truth. Forgive me for the times I’ve built on things that cannot last. Teach me to live out Your Word daily—not just in convenience, but in conviction. Strengthen my heart when the storms rage. Remind me that no matter how fierce the battle, if You are my foundation, I will not fall. I choose to trust You, to praise You, and to build my life on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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