Hey, Y’all! On my morning walk I like to listen to a sermon. One morning, the pastor mentioned a “guidepost”. Immediately I thought of the number of posts, both corner fence posts and structural posts I’ve assisted Tom in placing over the years. Not wanting to miss out on the pastor’s sermon, I made a note in my phone about this and went on to give my full attention to the remainder of the sermon.
When I got back from my walk, I asked the Lord to show me what it was He wanted me to understand by placing such significance on that word, “guidepost”. I began to think about the amount of work that went into preparing and placing those posts I had helped Tom set, the importance in making sure they are each placed at least three feet deep, are level (or, plum), and then secured by pouring a base of either small rock or a bag of Quikrete around them to prevent any shifting from the degree of plum we were able to achieve.
If you have ever set a post you understand how important this entire process is. If not, just think about it like this…a post too shallow in the ground may lean or even collapse over time under the pressure of wind or any shifting in the soil due to factors like the freezing/thawing process we experience in our area in the winter months, or even erosion over time. If that post is out of plum, the rest of the structure (or fence) will likely be affected. Same thing for the base. If you don’t tamp down the rock or Quikrete around the post properly then the post may not be as strong to withstand the structure, itself, or any inevitable winds/storms that come along. Or, if attaching a woven wire fence, the post may eventually give way to the pressure of the fencing.
Then the Lord revealed this to me to deepen my understanding of what He was trying to show to me – The same thing can be said about us, as Christians. If we do not set ourselves deep enough into the ground of truth, that is God’s written Word, we are not placing ourselves in a firm foundation to withstand the high winds or storms of life that come along. Because they are going to!
If we do not tamp into our minds the scriptures for when we are faced with the evil of this fallen world or the temptations of sin, then we are going out ill-equipped. When we write those truths on our heart by getting in His Word daily, we are arming ourselves with unfathomable strength.
If we do not keep ourselves, and each other, “in plum” by listening to the Holy Spirit when He is correcting our behavior or receive a gentle rebuke from a fellow Christian, then we weaken our ability to walk upright. We stifle our ability to be a light in a world full of darkness.
Just like the work it takes to prepare, set and secure that post, becoming a strong, sturdy, unwavering follower of Christ takes time, dedication, and most importantly, prayer.
As I pondered so thoroughly about all of this, I thought back on a few scriptures I’d recalled having read that only solidified what the Lord had laid on my heart, what He had revealed to me.
Matthew 7-:24-27 “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet, it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But, everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded the house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.”
Isaiah 28:16 Therefore the Lord God said: “Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakeable.
Ephesians 2:20 …built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.
I pray the Lord speaks to you today with the words He laid on my heart to share. May He bless you today and in all your tomorrows.
T