Have you heard the phrase, “Trouble in inevitable, but misery is optional?”

There is more truth in that statement than we may know. The fact is, everyone faces trouble. No one is immune to problems. There are no such people who don’t face issues everyday; some small, some bigger than others. The issue is not will we face trouble, the issue is how we will handle it.

Jesus made reference to what happens to us when trouble comes based on how we are built.

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practiceis like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The 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. 26 But 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. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Notice that both these men, the wise and the foolish one, faced trouble. They both experienced the same rain, flood, and wind. Just because one was wise didn’t mean that he was exempt from trouble. Too many times we think that if we are following Christ we won’t ever face any problems. In fact, some people think something is wrong with their spiritual standing if they face troubles. Just because we follow Jesus does not mean we won’t face trials of many kinds. The wise and the foolish are in the same world. Both face the same temptations, problems, and challenges in life. But the one who builds his life on the ROCK, which is Jesus, is the one who will stand firm when the troubles come. In other words, the trouble is inevitable, but choosing to stand firm and not be shaken is a choice. The one who is building their life on circumstances and the assumption that as a Christian you won’t face troubles is building their life on sinking sand.

You will know if you are truly built on the rock when you face adversity. It’s in the moments of stormy conditions when we really see what we are standing on. Faith believes that no matter what may come we have a Savior who leads us and guides us through anything. Faith knows that all things are possible and God can do immeasurably more than we can ask, think, or imagine according to His power and purposes.

So what are you standing on today, the sand or the rock? What areas in your life are you sinking in fear, doubt, and unbelief? I encourage you to stand firm, because God has got you and your future secure! He will never…ever…let you go.