A Foundation on Which to Build
Today has seemed to be a day or recovery. It was for Debbie’s computer and cell phone. Debbie’s computer was dumped out of the security bin at DIA and would not reboot. In the recovery process we lost our Microsoft programs. Debbie also had to replace her cord to charge her cell phone, so that presented a challenge for her to get back into action with work.
It has been somewhat of a “tired” kind of day for me. But we did have an intense travel day yesterday and late arrival home. Although I didn’t do a fitness center workout in Atlanta, navigating the steps gave me some good exercise, along with trying to play basketball and baseball with the grandsons.
It did get in a short workout today at 24 Hour Fitness. It was interesting a gentleman that I haven’t seen before inquired about the cause of my disability. After I explained, he said, “you have a good attitude, you must be a Christian with strong faith.” He had been through hip replacement so was sympathetic with the rehab process.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… This, now, is what the Sovereign Lord says: “I am placing in Zion a foundation that is firm and strong. In it I am putting a solid cornerstone on which are written the words, ‘Faith that is firm is also patient.’ Isaiah 28:16 (GNT)
Outside of reading tombstones, one of my interests is what is written on the cornerstone of a building. Often it may be just the date that it was laid, and the name of some officials; but sometimes a more meaningful phrase can be found. The cornerstone is important, because it is the first stone laid on the foundation and it is the stone from which the building finds its anchor and point of origin.
As I read this verse this morning it caught my attention; most certainly the declaration, “faith that is firm is also patient.” But the context and imagery for this statement gives it special significance. As Isaiah spoke these words the security of Zion was anything but firm and strong and certain. The faith of God’s chosen people was watered down and hijacked by the gods of the surrounding nations. Both Israel and Judah would face God’s judgment through being conquered by enemy nations.
But the Lord through His prophet spoke of a brighter day and a stronger future. This pronouncement comes from the “sovereign Lord.” This is the God of all nations who know that beginning from the end. He is the one who sets up kingdoms and brings them down. He is the one who when He speaks you can count on His word coming to pass.
The foundation the sovereign Lord will establish will be firm and strong. It will not easily shaken or destroyed. It will serve the purpose of supporting the structure that will hold the Temple of the Lord God. When we were touring Israel in the year 2000, I recall viewing underground on the Temple site, the largest single “brick” that has ever been discovered. This massive stone has been in place of centuries and forms an unshakeable foundation.
In addition to a strong foundation is a solid and sure cornerstone. In the prophet’s day cornerstones were integral parts of the building and not just “monuments” inserted into the structure. Next to the solid foundation, this stone was of great importance. And at this point of origins are the words, “faith that is firm is also patient.”
It you want a starting point for building a life that will endure and make a difference; build it from the vantage point of a “faith that is firm…” Paul the Apostle wrote to the Corinthians and said, “…stand firm. Let nothing move you…” (1 Corinthians 15:58) The reality is that there are people, circumstances, philosophies in our culture, the trials of life that will assault and shake our faith.
But a strong faith is a patient faith. It is easy to feel that “faith” is a formula or a quick faith. Faith is a foundation, it is a cornerstone for a stable, well-built life. A firm faith is needed as we draw closer to Christ’s return. The Apostle James said, “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8)
In a day when faith can be shaken. When there are those who lose faith, or “walk away” from their faith; let me encourage you to be have a firm faith in the sovereign God. Allow that firm faith to reflect patience. Patience in the face of the challenges of life and the assault of those who find it easier to tear down instead of build up. As you do, you will have a life, a “temple of the Holy Spirit” that will stand the storms and the attacks. And when the smoke of the conflict clears, when the storm clouds dissipate, it will be seen standing strong a testimony to the Lord’s faithfulness and a beacon of hope for others. “Faith that is firm is also patient.”