“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 that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash” (Matthew 7:24–27 CSB).
This is part 2 of a series, Secrets of Resilience from Jesus, so if you missed Part 1, read it here.
Who remembers Y2K? Prior to 1999, computers were programmed with only two-digit dates. Many feared that the global infrastructure would collapse on January 1, 2000, because computer systems could not differentiate between 1900 and 2000.
Besides the Y2K frenzy, I experienced plenty of storms in 1999, though I didn’t realize their impact.
A Christian counselor suggested I write a timeline of major events in my life. Then I realized why my life began a downward spiral in 1999. In one year, my father, uncle, and grandfather died. In addition, a long-term romantic relationship ended, and I hated my job. The storms of life overwhelmed me.
It is a choice
Our key verse is the finale of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29). In this famous passage of scripture, Jesus gives us a roadmap on how a citizen of the Kingdom of God should live.
He finishes with a parable about a choice. Wisely build your foundation on the Rock (Jesus), to withstand the storms of life, or foolishly build your foundation on sinking sand (the self-righteous rules of the Pharisees, the religious rulers of the day.)
We have the same choice. Choose Jesus and overcome the storms of life or choose our own way that leads to destruction.
In 1999, my foundation was not on Jesus, the Rock, but on sinking sand—my own accomplishments and pride. I could not withstand the storms and my life fell apart.
How do we overcome the storms of life with Jesus?
Discover three more secrets of resilience from Jesus to help us build our lives on the Rock and overcome the storms of life.
Know the value of rest
Moses received the Ten Commandments from God, which included the command to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest (Exodus 20:8-10).
Jesus knew the value of rest. Often, he would retreat alone to pray, escaping the crowds. (Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42; Luke 5:15-16).
Also, after a tiring day of teaching, casting out demons, and raising the dead with His disciples, Jesus needed a nap. So, He fell asleep in the boat, despite a raging storm. (Mark 4:38).
Nowadays, we wear busyness as a badge of honor. Rest seems unproductive when our identity is defined by our accomplishments.
The Sabbath is a gift from God. It’s not old-fashioned, but meant to revive you and not restrict you. Choose a day and time that suits you. It could be a different day each week. But dedicate one day a week to seeking God and resting, rather than striving for productivity.
Seek authentic community
In an authentic community, people trust each other, learn about each other, and explore their relationship with God.
God is the creator of community. His triune self, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is the supreme and holy community.
Even Jesus needed authentic community. (Mark 3:14). He chose twelve disciples and spent time with them sharing meals, celebrating, and caring for them and other friends (Luke 10:38-42).
The early church set the standard for authentic community (Acts 2:46-47). The believers met together, studied the apostle’s teaching, ate together, prayed for each other, and praised God.
Engage with God’s Word
Jesus had to learn and study scripture, even though He was the Son of God. At age twelve, He wandered away from His parents, and they found Him at the temple sitting with the teachers, listening, and asking questions (Luke 2:46).
When Jesus began His ministry, He quoted scripture to refute the lies and temptation of Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).
Do you get discouraged reading the God’s Word? You know you are supposed to read the Bible, but it’s boring and hard to understand.
This is what Satan wants. Don’t listen to the lies.
Find the way to engage with God’s Word that works for you. For example, pray the Bible, listen to the audio Bible, and find the time that fits into your schedule and suits your personality. Try a different translation or a video series such as the Bible Project.
Final words
Let’s choose to build our lives on the Rock of Jesus and overcome the storms of life instead of the sinking sand that brings destruction.
Y2K turned out fine. I did too, because of God’s unfailing love, grace, and mercy.
