Devotion: Weathering the Storm

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a 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 steams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24-27

Jesus ends His marvelous Sermon on the Mount with this parable. It is an authoritative and pointed application of the truths to be applied to our lives. It’s not about carpentry. He is talking about people and how we build our lives.

For some people, when they face a storm in life it is as if they are the house that was built on a rock. Others are like the house build on sand and will fall when the day of difficulty comes. We are all going to face struggle, disappointment and loss. It has been said there are only two kinds of people in the world: those that are going through a crisis and those that are going to go through a crisis. None of us is immune.

Living in the sunshine of life tells us little about our foundation. The storms that roll into our lives are what test us. It is these storms that reveal how firm a foundation we have built. Does the house of your life have a strong foundation? Are you prepared when the tempests of daily living burst your way? Are you trusting in God’s wisdom and strength to prepare for those trying times? Is your focus on your present struggle or your future hope?

I was blessed to be a participant in Sheridan’s first Faith Builders class. Looking back, it was the most appropriate name for the faith building all of us did together during that year. Each week as we gathered, our foundations grew stronger as we studied, shared our lives, and prayed together.

Sheridan provides many opportunities for us to strengthen our foundations of faith. The best way to prepare for the inevitable trials we will all face is to build on the rock of Jesus Christ. The wise person would begin immediately.

“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 steams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Dear Father, Grant me your mercy as you guide me in the restructuring and reinforcing of my faith in you. Strengthen my foundation and fill me heart with your abounding love and grace. Amen.

This devotion is written by Janece Nelson.

If you would like to serve as a member of the Sheridan Lutheran Writing Team and help to write devotions based on the text for the weekend, contact Amy Wagner.

Want these devotions delivered straight to your email inbox? Subscribe to our mailing list.