Foundations

For myself and many people I know, "transition" seems to be the recent life trend. In the middle of releasing old things and determining what the future holds, God has been slowing me down from my usual pace and asking me to dream with Him. Then, instead of immediately running with those dreams, He's been speaking to me about the importance of laying foundations, which is the subject of this week's photo.

Ugg, I love to build, but don't relish the idea of spending too much time on preparation. For someone who enjoys action, it's difficult for me to slow down and truly think about how to invest in the big picture... but recently the Holy Spirit shifted my perspective with a passage in Revelation.

"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.... and the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones." Revelation 21:14, 19a

In His city, foundations are made of precious stones and people, and they are built to carry the Presence and glory of God.  (Read Revelation 21 for context-- you'll be amazed at this city!) All of a sudden it struck me that God wants to build the next season of my life with these things as well: people, and precious jewels of revelation that come from my time with Him. In God's city, even the foundations are beautiful. 

How do you lay a good foundation? I did some internet research and discovered five crucial DIY steps for building well that also apply to our life journey. Some of these "jewels" are a bit uncomfortable, but they are so applicable!

1. Investigate the soil. Poor soil that shifts easily or carries too much moisture is the most common problem in defective foundations. Question: what “soil” am I sowing into? Will it have the strength to hold up under pressure?  Am I sowing my time and energy into something that will last?  Matthew 13:19-23 
2. Survey the lot and establish your boundaries. Question: am I respecting the boundaries of others and myself? Or am I compromising here and there to “make something happen?” Scripture says our boundaries are attached to our inheritance! (Deuteronomy 19:14) There was also a curse released upon tampering with the boundaries of others, so I think God is pretty serious about this!  Deut. 27:17.
3. Start digging and go deep. A good foundation is laid underground, which means that “staying on the surface” is not enough. What questions should I be asking myself as I prepare for the next season? Jesus said the wise builder “digs deep” before building. Luke 6:47
4. Install footings. The Word of God has so much to say about Jesus being the cornerstone, and He makes everything square and straight when we build around Him. Question: do my goals have the character of Christ attached to them, or are they ego-driven or full of self-initiative? Am I building my goals around the character of Christ?
5. Pour and seal the cement: the seal makes it waterproof and able to stand the test of time. Our “seal” is the Holy Spirit who has sealed our hearts with His grace. Are my goals something that the Holy Spirit will rest upon? Am I asking Him to make the work “built to last,” weatherproofing it against the storms to come?
   
   
   Some of these things can be messy and uncomfortable topics to deal with, but it sure does pay off when we take the time to do it!  If our goal is perfection, we won't achieve it.  But if our goal is to lay a healthy foundation, we can ALL make choices toward  that end!  It's part of embracing the call to be Christ's Bride, the city that carries His glory well. 
   
   Blessings,
   Rebecca