The Wise and Foolish Builders
24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
God led me to this passage as I was asking him whether I could be released from my sabbatical from ministry in order to intercede for one of my best friends, who’s going through a rough patch. God was talking to me about my foundations – that they need to be on the solid rock. The ‘rock’ represents the revelation of Christ – see Peter’s confession ‘Thou art the Christ….” and Jesus’ reply, “… upon this rock I will build my Church….” Matt. 16:15-18
The lady helping me through this area in my life said to me that ministry attracts attack from the enemy – every time I pray for someone or even encourage them prophetically it invades enemy territory – and he won’t take that lying down!
The reason for the sabbatical’s extension, even although I have repented of my past sins, is not to punish me. (I was starting to feel that way, honestly!) What was revealed to me was that every life that carries ministry must have firm foundations. I am in a season where I am rebuilding my walls and re-laying foundations. If I take ‘pot shots’ at the enemy by continuing to minister while being restored, then Satan can use the weaknesses in my defense to take me out! She said that the frustration I feel at not being free to minister to others like I want to is a motivator to get out of my broken state and be completely set free.
While in prayer with a new intercessor friend today, as I shared the details of my sabbatical, I felt that God was telling me about being hidden for a purpose. The Scripture was dealing with foundations. Foundations are hidden things. The foundation is under the earth, and it anchors the building that is resting on it. God was telling me about the foundations of my faith and my life, but I also heard him say, “Hidden for a season.” The thought came of being formed in the Secret Place, like a baby being formed in its mother’s womb – Psalm 139:15-16
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
So, I’m now settled. I understand what I need to do. God has me hidden. It’s time for me to seek his face again.
Please – pray for me.
Father, I thank you that you have answered my prayers. Thank you that you have explained your will to me. I love you so much. Please help me to make the most of my hiddenness… I want to be completely hidden in you! Help me to be patient, and not to chafe at the bit wanting to run out of the racing stocks. I want to be complete in you, and when you are ready, you will release me to do what you have called me to. I ask you to draw people to pray for me and your work in my life, so that I will be able to get your will done through me. Thank you for your hiding place! AMEN
Filed under: Bible Study, links, personal, prophet, prophetic, testimony | Tagged: foundations, frustration, Hiddenness, hiding place, personal devotions | 9 Comments »
The Hand of God 