How can we prioritize spiritual commitments despite "heavy rain" in our lives? Setting the Scene: Heavy Rain and the House on the Rock “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. 25 The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25) The Lord pictures life’s downpours—those overwhelming seasons when pressures, griefs, and demands come all at once. His remedy is not to wish away the storm but to ensure that what matters most is anchored firmly. First Priority: Build the Foundation Before the Storm • Christ Himself is the only sure foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11). • Daily time in Scripture lays stones that cannot be washed out later. • Early, deliberate commitment to obedience means decisions are made before temptation knocks. Second Priority: Put Jesus’ Words into Action • “Hear” + “act” is the essential pairing (Matthew 7:24). • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Living out truth—serving others, forgiving quickly, stewarding resources—protects us from erosion when life gets muddy. Third Priority: Maintain the Structure Continually • Routine upkeep: prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), confession (1 John 1:9), worship (Psalm 34:1). • Even five-minute “repairs” each day (a psalm read aloud, a brief thanksgiving list) prevent small leaks from becoming floods. Fourth Priority: Seek Shelter in the Body of Christ • “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds… not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Storm-tested believers lend tools, towels, and truth; isolation multiplies damage (Galatians 6:2). Fifth Priority: Keep Eternity in View • “This light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). • Heavy rain is temporary; our covenant with Christ is permanent. Remembering that scale reorders today’s to-do list. Practical Steps for This Week • Block 15 minutes each morning for undistracted Scripture reading—non-negotiable, like brushing teeth. • List three areas where obedience has been delayed; tackle the easiest one first. • Schedule one face-to-face connection with a believer who strengthens you. • Identify a current “storm” and write a single verse over it (e.g., Isaiah 43:2). Read it aloud whenever anxiety rises. • Each night, record one way you saw God’s faithfulness amid the rain; thank Him aloud. When the clouds burst, a life founded on Christ not only stands but quietly invites drenched onlookers to step under His roof as well. |
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