The title of today’s devotional didn’t say “storm free” life but “storm proofed life.”  Matthew 7:24-27 illustrates the significance of having a strong foundation in life, one grounded in faith, trust and obedience to God’s word. Building on sand speaks to a life susceptible to challenges and adversities, temptations and crises!

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Matthew 7:24-27

In this parable we read a metaphor for the importance of a strong spiritual foundation, an undiluted relationship with God, urging believers to live out their faith through action and obedience to God’s word.

From the priesthood of Israel, Yahweh challenged the errant on this principle in Malachi 1:6-14, where the extra dimension of relationship is introduced between the Father and the children. A relationship of reverence and honour being drivers of obedience to our God.

Do you have a relationship with our heavenly Father, if you do, what kind? A casual or even presumptive or one of holy fear and honour, of respect and dependence?

Brethren, respect for authority, honour are essential sources of guidance in our lives. These are evident from the Malachi questions! No wonder the Lord chides with us in Luke 6:46, “why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” so that we can wake up to reflect upon our relationship, actions and attitudes towards Him, as both the Lord and Master that saved us.

So when things are at their worst and your back is to the wall, when you doubt your chances of survival and have used the last ounce of your resistance what do you do? And the storms come in diverse forms:

1. an abusive relationship,
2. a financial collapse,
3. an unfaithful partner,
4. the loss or illness of a child,
5. a mental or physical disability.

“It’s not our wisdom, salvation, or church attendance that gets us through these. While they are important aspects of Christian life for which we praise God, many wise, faithful believers go under in life’s storms because they have no place to recourse to.

Jesus’ point in our test scripture wasn’t even a plea for increased knowledge of His Word. Both homeowners understood His Word, but simply saying, ‘Lord, I totally agree with you,’ won’t get you through the storm. The point Jesus was making here is that doing what you hear Him say is what will get you through the storm! God has bound Himself to honour His Word, and your obedience aligns you with it and activates His power on your behalf.” – Anonymous

Selah.


Pastor Afolabi Oladele