As the foundation was laid and the walls are being placed, my heart is full of excitement. I cannot help but ponder how the build of our home compares to what Christ is building in all of us through our own journeys.
A solid foundation is key to building a home. Our foundation must be built upon Jesus Christ in order to withstand the storms of life. James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Over the past three years, one thing God was building inside of me is the life lesson that I am not in control. Truly learning that has brought about a new kind of joy...a joy likened to the sureness of sunshine after a storm.
God is the master builder. He has the master plans. Although He does not show us the blueprints for our lives, nor does He always give us answers for why, He does give us a promise.
We were elated the day we officially closed on our construction loan. We promised the bank we would pay them back for the loan and our builder made promises as well. We all trusted each other to keep our promise.
God gives us promises throughout the Bible. One of His promises is to love us unconditionally.
2 Peter 3:9 declares, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Building a dream home takes time. What our God is building inside of us takes time too. What is He building inside of you?
I can tell you He is building something beautiful. He is building something sturdy and precious...something that won't fall apart over time. He is etching into your soul the heart of a warrior. He is fighting for you and working from the inside out. He is guiding you too.
For us, and most people I would assume, getting to the place of being able to begin the building process was somewhat of a battle. All the saving, paperwork, phone calls, and meetings took determination.
Jesus is determined to build His dream inside of you. Ask Him for patience. Ask Him for joy. And you know what? If patience and joy doesn't come right away it's okay. He is patient with us. He loves us unconditionally.
Whatever you do, don't beat yourself up during the building process. After all, God loves us unconditionally. Ask God to fight for you. In the end, you will look back and say, "What a beautiful mess."
After all, YOU are custom built...
In Him,
Candace
