“I always thought I was on solid ground, right up until my life collapsed. I had cracks in the foundation of my life, and I really didn’t see them. That’s the thing about foundations: no one cares about them when everything’s fine. . . . Cracks in the foundation are silent and don’t seem to matter for a long time. Until they do.”- Alli Patterson
“I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.”- Galatians 1:14 (NIV)
I her Introduction (“The Thing about Foundations”) of How to Stay Standing: 3 Essential Practices for Building Faith That Lasts, Alli Patterson talks about the house she lives in now. The house slopes steeply downward in the back yard. Most significantly, the previous owner build piers in the foundation.
With piering, a steel support is placed below the existing concrete. The contractor drives beams through the old foundation to create greater support below. So, when the ground around the foundation shifts, the beams stop the structure from moving.
Fresh out of college, Alli designed a blueprint for her life. And the foundation in that plan = Alli. But early in her marriage and professional career, her foundation collapsed. Yet, into that mess came the living Christ to pier her foundation. Not when Alli was strong. Rather, when she’d fallen into the gaping cracks. And while it was uncomfortable, it’s the reason she stands upright today.
As a result, Alli willed to follow God anywhere. In the process, she slowly uncovered the key of life as a disciple: taking risks on God (emphasis author’s).
In conclusion, Alli exhorts:
“Jesus can build or rebuild anything. He fills in the cracks, adds steel beams, and drives piers through your old concrete. And you can meet him through three simple rhythms of faith. Come to him. Hear his Word. Practice it in your life. Today is a day you either widen a crack or fill one in. Let’s dig deep and build on rock.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help when you find cracks in the foundation? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Rising waters – tide rolling in”
