How to Establish a Firm Foundation - Carla D Burnette

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Have you ever watched someone build a sand castle? A person may spend hours perfecting their design, but if they neglect to build a safe distance from the water’s edge, the castle will be demolished by the ocean’s rising tide.

Without a firm foundation, we may collapse just like a sand castle when the waters rise. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s turn to Scripture to find out how to establish a firm foundation.

Jesus teaches us in Matthew 7:24-27, ‘“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.²⁷ The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash”’ (CSB).

Wise Man

The “rock” in this passage represents God’s Word and Jesus who is the Word (John 1:1). When we hear AND respond to the Word, we are like a wise man who built his house on the rock (v. 24). The Word, like a rock, becomes a firm foundation on which we stand.

Responding to the Word distinguishes the wise man from the foolish man who built his house on the sand (v. 24, 26).

What does responding to the Word look like? Some examples include:

submitting daily to Jesus
repenting of sin
implementing Biblical principles
praying for wisdom and guidance
praising God for revelation
serving others

At times we may find it easy to respond, while other times we may find it challenging in situations such as loving our enemies or stepping out of our comfort zones. That’s why it is so important to keep in mind that every act of obedience establishes a deeper foundation on the rock of God’s Word.

Our foundation on the Word enables us to withstand any storm (v. 25). We don’t collapse because we cling to God’s promises with certainty that His Word is true. When a storm comes, we know our God is with us. He will strengthen us and empower us to stand firm through the storm.

Foolish Man

In contrast to the wise man who hears AND responds, is the foolish man who hears the Word, BUT does not respond (v.26). A foolish person may have knowledge of the Word, but they lack a personal relationship with the Lord. They only know about God, but do not know Him intimately, otherwise they would respond in obedience.

Jesus teaches us in John 14:23a, 24, ‘“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word. The one who doesn’t love Me will not keep My Words”' (CSB).

Because a foolish person does NOT respond to the Word, they do not love the Lord.

In addition, a fool may claim to be a good person and even engage in acts of service. But, instead of living to glorify God, they glorify themselves. Their life is not built on the Word.

As a result, a foolish person does not have a strong foundation to stand on when a storm comes. They collapse during times of hardship. It is like they built their house on the sand which collapses in a storm (v. 26-27).

Our Foundation

How about you? What foundation is your life built on?

As we examine our lives, let’s determine to establish a firm foundation on the Word – Jesus Christ.

May the words to the hymn, “The Solid Rock” by Edward Mote be our declaration:

On Christ the solid Rock I stand.

All other ground is sinking sand.

All other ground is sinking sand.

(Listen to the song here: On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand with Lyrics – YouTube)

Father, Thank You that You are a firm foundation we can build our lives on. You are faithful to Your Word and every promise is Yes and Amen in Christ. Help us to act on Your Word and to stand on Your promises. May our lives give glory to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.