What Does it Mean to Build on the Rock vs The Sand?
Hello my Hope-full friend!
Recently I taught my 8-year-old children’s class at church about the parable Jesus gave of the wise man and the foolish man building upon the rock or upon the sand (Matthew 7:24-27).
As I prayed about how to teach this, an object lesson popped into my mind involving bricks, sand, wooden blocks (for the houses), Lego people (you gotta put someone inside the house), and some “rain.” I have to admit, the object lesson worked better than I thought it would, and I even ended up showing my own children later in the day. See the short video of the object lesson here.
The sandy foundation totally crumbled!!! Little Lego people were floating in the water, the building blocks which made the house was floating in the water. What an amazing object lesson!
I then explained that hard things like rains and floods happen to everyone—those who are trying to follow God’s word and those who aren’t, but those who build on Jesus Christ have a much better chance of surviving it in tact.
Life’s challenges come to all of us and some of the trials we have are so very difficult. Wouldn’t you like to know what can help you get through your hard times with more strength?
Build on the Rock of Jesus Christ!
Connect with Him daily through prayer, scripture study, meditation, pondering in quiet moments, letting gratitude flow up and blessing flow down. Give him your hopes and sorrows and He will help you.
Resources for Building on the Rock
Remember the words of Jesus Christ as he taught this parable about building on the rock vs the sand, you build on the rock when you hear and do. You might worry that you fall too far short too many times to build on the rock—but remember that Jesus taught the principles of faith and continued repentance. Those put together are keys to building on the rock. Watch my short video of this object lesson here.
Becca didn’t let her paralysis keep her from living her life fully, but kidney disease tested her faith and led her to have a deeper connection with Christ she never had experienced before. She shares three tips that helped her keep her focus on the rock of Jesus Christ when her severe physical challenges went from bad to worse. Listen to or read her story here.
Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom to build on the rock. Here is a quick podcast episode where I explain Why Hitting Rock Bottom Might Be Good For You.
The good news is if you feel you are on a shaky foundation or on the rock, Jesus can help you. He is strong enough and firm enough of a foundation that He can support you as you lean on Him.
I love the reminder in Isaiah 40:29-31,
"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. . .
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
So, keep walking along your life’s road. God can and will be with you. Continue to be wise and build on His rock.
Hope on!
Tamara