Fractured Foundations

"It is like a person building a home who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built." Luke 6:48

I am a huge fan of home renovation shows. Although we don't subscribe to any television providers (which in all honesty is probably a good thing), if I happen to be available to watch the "Property Brothers", I'm eager to see the transformation of the homes they redesign. One thing is certain. Without a doubt, at some point in the hour, unforeseen issues will arise hidden behind drywall or under flooring. Quite often the biggest concern is the foundation. The home has the appearance of being solid, but in truth it's on shaky ground. It's shocking to see the number of homes that have absolutely no solid support.

We can't see foundations. They are buried deep. We assume they are structurally sound. We can foolishly believe that absolutely nothing will cause a collapse, but foundations need to be maintained. Cracks can't be ignored. Leaks must be sealed. Without regular upkeep even cement can start to crumble. 

When my son and his wife moved into their first home everything looked perfect, until the first rainfall. An early morning phone call alerted us to flooding. It's impossible to think the previous homeowners didn't know about this issue. We're not talking a minor trickle. What was concealed was now revealed and what a mess! You just can't keep patching over a problem.

The thing is, repairs can be costly. We want to dismiss small evidences that work needs to be done. We know it's going to hit our pocketbooks hard. Yet, without the effort, it won't be long before a small concern becomes a major headache. It's going to take finances, time, sacrifices, energy and resolve.

We know this to be true for the homeowner, but what about our lives? What about our marriages and our families? What are we doing to ensure the winds of adversity won't demolish our footings with one, perfect storm? Don't think it couldn't happen. Too many are deceived by a false sense of security. I know many individuals and couples who never, not in their wildest dreams, envisioned walking away from one another or from the Lord, and yet devastatingly weaknesses weren't revealed until walls were already falling. Faith fractured from faulty foundations.

We must be continually investing in "home improvement". We can't overlook "fixer-uppers". It might take more than a DIY. We may need to reach out to those who can listen, pray, and give biblical counsel. It is unwise to pretend that a little paint will cover the problem without suffering lasting damage. It needs digging up, not covering over. Even for those currently sitting in the rubble, it doesn't have to be the end. God is the Master Builder. He holds the blueprints. Will you allow Him to do the foundational work needed to secure your future? In the hands of the Lord, your "house" still has many good years remaining. I can't wait to see what He does with the place!

"The godly will rejoice in the LORD and find shelter in Him. And those who do what is right will praise Him." Psalm 64:10