Transcript
There's a true story from Texas in 2008, when a massive storm known as Hurricane Ike struck the Gilchrist area. Out of about 200 homes there, only one remained standing. Why was that? The homeowners had previously experienced destruction during Hurricane Rita in 2005. But this time, they learned their lesson. They rebuilt their home by following an architect's instructions in detail—every design, every instruction, they obeyed without compromise. As a result, the house stood firm even in the midst of the great storm. When the storm came, it remained standing. Conversely, those who only hear without acting will collapse even from a 'small flood'.
That house seems to be 'preaching' to us. We are not immune to problems, but if our lives are built correctly, we can stand firm. Colossians 2:6-7 reminds us that after we receive Christ, we must live in Him, rooted and built up in Him. Paul uses two images: roots (growth) and a building (foundation). The goal is clear: for our faith to be firm and our hearts overflowing with gratitude, even in the midst of difficulties.
The practical key is in Joshua 1:8: “meditate on it day and night.” The word 'meditate' in Hebrew is *hagah*, which means like chewing the cud. Just as an animal repeatedly chews its food until it becomes energy, so too should we with God's Word. We don't just read it, but we repeat it, speak it, think about it, and live it out.
We also learn from Abraham in Romans 4:18-22. Even when there was no basis for hope, he still hoped and believed. Imagine, he waited 25 years for the fulfillment of God's promise. Yet his faith did not weaken; instead, it grew stronger. He did not waver, but believed that God was able to do what He had promised. This is faith that grows, not weakened by time, but strengthened by the Word.
There are four simple steps: first, meditate on the Word repeatedly. Second, understand it with the help of the Holy Spirit. Third, agree in your heart that it is truth. Fourth, practice it in daily life. That's where the Word becomes 'food' that strengthens our faith.
So how do we build such faith? Luke 6:46-49 gives the answer: hearing and doing the Word. The person who does the Word is described as building a house on rock – Jesus said in Matthew 4:4 that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. This means our faith grows as we continually fill ourselves with God's Word, not just once a week, but every day.
Just like the house built by following an architect, so too will our lives be strong if we follow God's Word. When storms come, and they surely will, we will not be shaken, because our faith has been fed, strengthened, and rooted in Christ.
May the Lord Jesus Bless You.
