By Betty Slade
My friend of 30 years called. She wanted to talk about the craziness we see around us. Our conversation eventually turned to the topic of how unpredictable life is.
She and I taught Bible studies in the ‘90s. Like sure-footed mountain rams, we stood on a mountaintop of God’s promises. With boldness, we spoke with unshakable faith. It all seemed so cut and dry back then.
I don’t think we ever questioned our freedom, our future or anything we saw in the news. Our nation was founded on Christian principles; we were a Christian nation.
Today, the mountain we firmly plant our feet on seems to be crumbling in the same way as what we see around us.
When I think about the faith I rested on 30 years ago, it is entirely possible that my belief was supported by the surety of what I felt as I moved throughout my daily life.
Back then, what we understood was based on a foundation that was firm and predictable. Today, it seems more common that that same bedrock is being shaken at its very core. What we held in our hearts today seems to be challenged, diluted or dismissed. We were on a narrow path back then that gave us assurance, which seems indistinguishable from where we stand today.
Our freedom is in question, speculation abounds and what was once the norm is erratic. Even today’s spiritual leaders speak contradicting messages when their words are not from above, but roll off their tongues like the changing directions of the wind.
So, how do we stand when the rock at our feet seems to turn to dust?
We must build a foundation on a cornerstone which ensures our stability. Unfortunately, we know from Psalms that the cornerstone was and will be rejected.
Thankfully, Peter tells us in the New Testament that although the stone was rejected by men, Jesus, the Chief Cornerstone, is precious in the sight of God. After all, He fought for us at the cross in love by laying down his life as a sacrifice. That sacrifice, a strength to every generation, is a sure footing in times of change.
Final brushstroke: Whether we are on a steep slope pummeled by life or in the comforts of yesterday’s safety net, we must stand on the rock that gives strength to the weak, security to the fearful and an eternal hope that is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
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