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Thursday February 20 - Standing against adversity
“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat
against that house; yet it did not fall...” Matthew 7:25
I am sure you know people who seem unflappable; to them adversity is something they take in their stride – almost a hurdle to be jumped. Such people seem to have an extra gear called ‘faith’ which seems to engage automatically. Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders gives us insight as to just why this is.
Both houses looked alike, both faced the same ferocious storm – but one stood and the other collapsed. Why was this? Put simply, it’s because one was built on sand and the other on rock; everything depended on their foundations. We all face storms; some are of our own making, but most are simply a by-product of life. Bereavement, sickness, poverty, loneliness, mistreatment... these are just some of the storms we have to face, sometimes with little warning. Jesus did not say life would be a bed of roses; in fact his words to his disciples were that “in this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33).
Dear friend, it might be that there is a storm surge coming against you; you see the water rising to fearful levels. Stand firm and take action to storm-proof your life. How can you do this? By building your life upon Jesus and his word – a life built on anything else is vulnerable and eventually will be found wanting.
Father, I thank you today that I can come to you and put my life into your hands, trusting that you will hold me safe until the storm has passed. Amen.
Friday February 21 - The foolish man
“But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into
practice is like a foolish man...” Matthew 7:26
Those who heard Jesus would know full well that the sun-baked Judean valleys had been chiselled out over thousands of years by flood water. During heavy rains, swollen rivers would wash away everything in their path. The foolish builder built his house without considering what kind of foundations were needed; after all the ground appeared rock- hard and there were other similar houses nearby. Perhaps he decided to ignore his neighbours’ urgent warnings?
Jesus’ parable makes it clear that the foolish man is the one who chooses to ignore God’s instructions and does what seems right at the time. He does not listen to others’ warnings and forges ahead, ignoring God’s wisdom. Such a person is not evil but simply foolish. The ever-present danger is that, despite going to church, reading our Bibles and praying, we can build our lives on shifting sand. In my role as a volunteer prison chaplain, it’s tragic to note that it’s not shifting sand but quicksand that men often find themselves in!
The letter from the church elders in Jerusalem includes the phrase, ‘It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us...’ (Acts 15:28). This is wisdom: to exercise sanctified common sense and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. There is no better way to live life! We are not called to be ‘super-spiritual’ but purely followers of Christ, seeking to do the Father’s will. May God bless you as you seek to follow him!
Father, may my roots be planted deep in Christ, gaining my strength from him (see Colossians 2:7). Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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