Planted in Sorrow, Rooted in Grace

Oh, friends.

Sorrow, pain, and death seems to come in waves, doesn't it? Just when you think your heart is healing from one tragedy, sickness, heavy burden, or struggle, a new wave comes and takes your breath away. This can happen with blessings too, but in our world where sin and death abounds, it feels as though sorrow takes center stage more often.

What do you do?

When your world is rocked and turned upside-down. When you can't seem to catch a break. When you are on your back, or waiting by a bedside, or feverishly attending to sick children. When you get that phone call that changes the course of your life forever.

In Matthew 7: 24-27, Jesus was wrapping up His greatest earthly sermon. Everything His disciples and the people listening to Him thought they knew about life, about their actions, about pleasing God, was being challenged by the Sovereign Creator, wrapped in human form.

As He was concluding, I could just imagine the dumbfounded looks, some of shock, some of awe, some of confusion, some of anger, and some of faith; and with all that emotion, Jesus reassures them:

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."

He didn't conclude with, He who understands these sayings of mine, He says he who doeth.

So, what if your winds and rains come and your foundation is based upon the need to understand?

What if your storms arrive and your roots are planted in the sand?

What if you're facing the struggle of your life, but your inability to understand overwhelms your resolve to stand in faith on The Rock?

Well, from experience, I can assure you, you will be tossed and frustrated and lost and shattered and fall and struggle.

The only thing that can get you through the storms of life, because they will come friend, is to be rooted and built on a solid foundation. The rich fertile soil of His grace will feed you through your dry season, the strong rock of His mercy will be your unmoveable foundation through your stormy season.

Sand is easy to plant in. Not hard to work the ground, not much sweat or struggle goes into leveling it or digging in it. There's not much to it at all. You can make it look esthetically pleasing in a very short amount of time. You can even landscape with stones, rocks, or pavers and my oh my, what a thing of beauty it is.

Friends come by for a visit and are wowed at ur expertise and eye for beauty. Proud of the work you did, you feel quite satisfied.

But, then, rain...rain...rain, for what feels like an eternity. All your pavers are shifted, all your rocks washed away. All your beautiful plants are covered in wet, muddy sand. No one thinks you're place is gorgeous. People drive by and gasp at the damage you have sustained. You were only a facade.

So, how about our hearts?

We are in a season of sorrow right now. I don't know if you are too. Maybe life isn't what you expected. Maybe you can't catch a break. Maybe death is looming at your door step. Maybe you are mourning what could have been. Whatever your storm, don't be a facade!

1. Get your foundation settled by putting your faith in Christ alone.

2. Firmly plant your roots in His grace by making time for His Word. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:4-5

3. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus in the midst of your storm. Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6