This week I felt surrounded by a storm – pounded on all sides. Not just by events unfolding in our community and nation, but by the rapidly changing realities in two of my family members’ lives. I found one of Jesus’ parables that reveals the secret of standing strong in the storms of change.
Jesus always gets to the heart of the problem, doesn’t He? In this parable, He quickly hones in on well, an issue of the heart.
In the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builder, (Luke 6:46-49) he is dealing with the difference between agreeing with His teachings and putting them into action.
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
Luke 6:46-49 (NIV)
It is where the rubber meets the road, don’t you think?
The difference between the knowledge I have in my head and in my heart. The understanding that uses what I have learned.
I picture myself nodding my head and agreeing with a teaching. Maybe after a sermon, or a Bible study. And then going back to life as usual – gradually forgetting what I learned.
Sometimes what I hear requires a major overhaul in my heart – in my thinking. The changes can be intimidating.
But what a promise when I do put them into effect.
Beginning Steps to The Secret of Standing Strong in the Storms of Change
Verse 48 describes a solid foundation. Like digging deep to build my house, or my life, on this solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and crash the house stands firm.
I know from experience when I dig deep and apply what Jesus has taught, my foundation is strong. When the storms of life come, the financial problems, issues with family or friends, I can stay strong.
I want to do this more. So, I have been wondering what is different about the times I do obey Jesus and change my thinking and heart.
I realized I approach His Word being ready to change. And, with an underlying belief that His way is always better.
No second-guessing required. He is trustworthy.
Any loss I am afraid I will suffer by leaving behind a sin or an incorrect view of His teaching will fade in comparison with the blessing brought by the change.
But What if I Don’t Understand?
Sometimes, I am not sure if my understanding is correct.
And other times, I don’t know how to make the changes.
Maybe you have shaken your head in bewilderment over such concerns too.
But God doesn’t ask me, or you, to go it alone. We have this promise:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV)
We just have to ask.
We don’t have to be afraid that he will blame us or not answer.
And with each good choice, each time I turn away from sin, and every sound teaching I follow, the roots of my faith grow deeper. My foundation is stronger.
I confess that sometimes I feel a little inadequate and cringe when I am surrounded by people who sing with sincere gusto that they will never be shaken.
Because I know sometimes, if the storm is severe enough, and the floodwaters crash into me, I do feel shaken (but not destroyed).
But now I know that, at least for me, building a strong foundation is a process. I fortify it as I continue to apply what I learn to my life.
So, as I love and obey Jesus more, my foundation is strengthened.
The Action That Leads to Collapse
But what if I just decide to listen, not doing what Jesus teaches?
My faith is not established.
Verse 49 in the NIV version tells us “that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:49b (NIV)
The Message reports “it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss” Luke 6: 49b (MSG)
I have known the despair, of going through the flood of intensely difficult situations without a strong foundation – of faith.
I watched helplessly, and without any hope, as the world around me seemed to collapse.
Have you experienced that too? Or maybe you are experiencing that right now.
It’s Not Too Late to Stand Strong in the Storms of Change!
If so, it is not too late to start building a rock strong foundation.
God in His grace is beckoning you. Just like He beckoned me.
If you already have a secure foundation it is a good idea to check it periodically. Just like inspecting your house to get ready for a storm.
God does not change. Neither does His truth. Therefore, His strong foundation is always secure.
But sometimes I see my trust has shifted unnoticed, from God’s truth to depending on my own ideas.
Instead of looking to Him and His teachings, I may try to deal with the situation on my own.
Or, I may notice an area of disobedience has emerged in my life.
Then, I know I must act. It is time to fortify my foundation so that I will be ready for the inevitable storms of life.
If you are curious about more ways of dealing with the storms of life you can find more here.
Here is a song that you might enjoy. Ryan Stevenson’s In the Eye of the Storm explains standing strong well.
Thankfully as the unexpected events crashed around me this week I paused. I turned to what I knew was God’s truth. I prayed and waited.
The situations did not immediately change. But my foundation was secure. I experienced the peace resulting from the secret of standing strong in the storms of change.
You can experience this peace too.