Solid Foundations

Written by Marilyn Ehle

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“No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ”
(1 Corinthians 3:11).

“We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Major construction is taking place at a busy intersection in our city. Cars line up for lengthy waits at the traffic light as heavy earth-moving equipment lumbers by. Impatient drivers check their watches to see exactly how late they will be for an appointment. I was one of those annoyed drivers the other day…until I heard God’s still, small voice: “Relax. Look up.”

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Previously when I have been reminded in this way, my eyes lift to the beautiful mountains to the west of our city, but this time it seemed like an inappropriate message as all that beauty was hidden by buildings and huge construction machines. But as I glanced upwards, I saw the tall first stage of a towering concrete bridge which will eventually take traffic smoothly through this knotty intersection.

This supporting wall is huge; it appears to rise effortlessly out of the ground. However, we know that skilled engineers have carefully planned just how deep and solid the foundation for such a structure needs to be. Machines and people have dug far into the earth before the concrete was poured. The very thing we cannot see provides the necessary stability for such an undertaking.

In a similar way, our Christian life is fortified by the unseen and foundational work of God’s Holy Spirit. As we read and apply truths of the Bible, live in loving community with other Christians and involve ourselves in caring acts toward others, the foundation of our lives grows ever more solid and sure.

Frequently I look only at what I can see in my life and in the lives of others. Thank you, Father, for being hard at work at what cannot be seen but what provides the strength for all else. Amen.

Questions: What are the ways that we can allow the Holy Spirit to build a strong foundation in our lives?

About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle

Tags: Chat, Christian, construction, drivers, engineers, equipment, Foundations, good works, Holy Spirit, Impatient, Jesus Christ, Machines, Marilyn J. Ehle

2 Responses to “Solid Foundations”

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Cathy says:

August 2, 2010 at 4:04 pm

Good visual reminder that sometimes I face roadblocks in my life and don’t undertand why they are there, but God knows the blueprint or final plan. In such moments, it is sometimes hard to imagine how all everything will work out, but God already knows the outcome. Good reminder to keep the Faith.
DonnaL says:

August 2, 2010 at 1:15 pm

Hi Marilyn, Thanks for another great devotional. Having had a challenging day at work yesterday and wondering how it would all work out I was left feeling quite unprepared for what was ahead of me. I thank God that he is working behind the scenes and will provide the strength I need to accomplish all He has called me to do. The Holy Spirit has refreshed me this morning and I am ready to face another day knowing that He is my “supporting wall” today. Praise God that He is always with us!