I take a back road to Highway 365 every morning. It is a cut-through and shaves 10 minutes off my drive to work every morning. I never know what wildlife I might see. I once saw a bobcat with three tiny kittens following close behind. Another morning as I drove down the rustic dirt road, I was detained by a flock of wild turkeys who simple refused to get out of the road.
Last week one of the large trees that line the road fell. Somehow the recent bad weather uprooted the seemingly strong, majestic tree, leaving it bottom side up. I would’ve thought the tree had 10 to 15 years of living under its belt (or should I say trunk?). But when I examined the roots, it seemed anchored by short, thin shreds. It seemed unimaginable but the reality for the tree was the root system had failed it, leaving a weak foundation.
Jesus talks to us about foundations. Matthew 7:24-27, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
When storms of life blow and troubles come knocking, knowing God’s word, having Him as the center of our lives, living according to His laws and plans, give us the roots we need to stand firm and not easily topple like the large tree that appeared so strong.
Build your foundation like the wise man. Start today to make those roots run deep and hold fast.
