Just as a house needs a strong foundation to build upon, our future must be built upon faith’s firm foundation. The stronger our faith, the higher we can build. When our life is built upon Christ, the Solid Rock, we can withstand the storms of life and grow into the fullness of our destiny. Jesus shared this great parable to help us understand what faith is all about:

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)

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. 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 the wise man and the foolish man faced hardship. They were both subjected to the same rain, flood, and wind. Just because one was wise didn’t mean that he was free from difficulty. Too many times we think that if we are following Christ, we won’t ever face problems. There are even those who think something is wrong with them if they do face troubles. Jesus never promised those who followed Him a life exempt from trials. The wise and the foolish live and breathe in the same, broken world. Both face the same temptations and challenges in life. It is the one who builds his life on the Rock (whose faith is in Christ) who will stand firm when trouble comes. Trouble is inevitable; it is up to you to choose to stand firm and not be shaken. Author J. R. R. Tolkien said, “Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.” 

A wise man’s faith is not rooted in perfect circumstances; it is rooted in a perfect Savior. Too many times we are telling God about our circumstances when we need to be telling our circumstances about our God. God is not moved by our worries and complaints; He is moved by our faith. The Bible shows us that it is by faith that we experience God’s provision. 

Matthew 9:27-30a (NIV)

27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored.

These two men’s faith made all the difference for their futures. Faith exceedingly fuels our hope in every situation. Jesus was not moved by these men’s circumstances, but by their faith. He said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” It’s not that faith changes your circumstances, but it does change you, thereby changing your ability to overcome your circumstances. When faith rises up within you, it begins to transform the things around you. You cannot live an adventurous life with an apathetic faith. Never let your fear of the unknown keep you from having faith in the unseen. When we live with unwavering faith, we’ll experience a victorious life.