The Importance of Solid Foundations

According to the book of Nehemiah 2:20, God himself will flourish, prosper and make us successful; for that reason, we his servants will arise (emerge) and build.

​The life building process starts with laying the foundation on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. It is progressive and takes a lot of time. So, be patient. Act diligently, keep your heart on the Word of God and eyes fixed on God; the author and finisher of our faith.

To build a physical structure, prosperity is required and that comes from God. Without financial success, its almost impossible to lay a building foundation. There are several stages of building, but the key stages are highlighted below:

Stages of building

1. Find a suitable location
2. Draw a plan to envisage it's physical look.
3. Request for permission to build from approved authorities
4. Once approved, proceed to break the ground and lay foundation
5. Build the walls including interior
6. Add styles to the building, that is finishing with essentials.

Similarly, there are stages in building the Church and our individual lives. It starts with laying the foundation on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. This stage is essential and mostly requires a lot of background efforts preparing one for the future. It usually comes before the outcome that the whole world see.

​Laying the foundation is the preparatory stage of our Christian walk.

The truth is God prepares and builds the called to meet the needs of the Kingdom. As a growing Kingdom, there is a need for more human abilities to worship, praise spread the Gospel, care for and encourage one another, be brother's keepers, dominate and govern other creatures of the world and lots more. God saw a need in His kingdom and specifically design each and everyone to meet that need. God has a plan and you are designed for that specific plan. 

Jeremiah 1:5 "I knew you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart for me before you ..." and the book of Acts 17:26 says "From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands." 

God  has a set plan for each and everyone.

The Solid Foundation
Now, before any building process can begin, there must be a solid foundation. The strength of a building lies in its foundation. The foundation has to be able to support the weight or capacity of its occupants. A ministry on any other foundation apart from Jesus Christ is a potential danger to its members. Every ministry and her ministers must hear God clearly about his/her call to serve in the Kingdom. Also, the ministry must be able to support the people God entrusted it. Support could be moral, mentoring, financial, spiritual and others as deemed capable by the Church. Of course, knowing your capacity will help shape the decisions you make in life. 

Most importantly, the ministry must be called of and after God's heart. Our foundation should be based only on Jesus Christ  (Matthew 7:24-27). As Christians, the only adequate foundation for us is on Jesus Christ. The church must be centered on Jesus Christ. Otherwise, it's more or less like a social gathering. 

On Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.” is our testimony. ​

Let your foundation be rooted

Ministries based on the foundation of God will flourish, irrespective of how long it takes. By drifting or walking away from the foundation of God exposes the church to false teachings. Thus, in order to be rooted in God, we must be rooted in God's Word; the Bible. By actively listening and intentionally doing the word of God, we are laying on the solid rock like the man described in Luke 6:48.

In Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." In other words, the Word of God guides and shapes our decisions.

As we remind ourselves of keeping our roots in God, I would like to say that building is a progressive experience and it takes time to lay a solid foundation. So, do not be in a hurry to quit the process. Be patient, act diligently, keep your eyes on the end goal and always keep connected with God. In the beginning, it may not look as planned but remember His words that He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Therefore, be diligent in all things, including the small things. Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength (Ecclesiastes 9:10).  Those lil skills makes up a great assets in God's Kingdom. Also, strong foundation takes time. It requires commitment, diligence and continuous efforts. A diligent man stands before kings and not mere man.  Proverbs 22:29

Lastly, strong foundation requires obedience. Of course, to lay the foundation of a physical building, you need to obey the government permission. Likewise, we need to obey God's instruction (exactly as instructed) to build the Kingdom of God on earth. May the Almighty God help us to trust, obey and grow in Him. Amen.

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