Matthew 7:24-27, Ephesians 6:13, Psalm 144:1, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Suzie Brock

Have you ever had that dream you're falling? It's that horrible feeling of plummeting into an abyss of darkeness; that hopeless sense of flailing through space unable to stop.

No-one likes to feel out of control. Sometimes those dreams of loss of control are simply mirrors to our souls cry for stability and sure-footedness. I see a picture in my minds eye of being on a ship at sea in the midst of a storm being tossed about and trying desperately to stand and hang tight; often our lives feel a bit like that storm. We have need to feel secure, in control and solid.

I have felt that many times in my life; fumbling to stand up and get back on my feet. Storms come by us all and no-one is excempt. Life throws us curves and punches; it pushes on our shoulder with the purpose of knocking us down. When we have enough strength, with all our hearts we do all we can not to fall from it's pressure.

God said that He had good plans for us. He sent His Son to pay a price to make those plans available. Jesus said that He had come to give us a life rich and satisfying. God often said that He would be our strength, high tower and hiding place. Jesus said He was our rock on which to stand.

Everything about God's ways and plans are about keeping us from the fall; the 'Big One' and the little everyday ones. We are to be more than overcomers. Greater is Christ in me than anything that is in the world. God said He would be strong in my weakness and that He would gird me up.

I have found that it's true that I can and do have a place to stand. Even at times when the pushing of circumstances throws me off balance, I find that if I run to God and plant my feet in His truths, that I become immovable. He is my Rock; all other ground is sinking sand. Everything else may wobble and fall, but His truths and ways never move or change, they are ever true and solid. It's why Paul came to the truth that he would know nothing else in this world but the truth of Christ and Him crucified, the power of the Cross.

Sometimes we go back to that one foundational stone and we stand there. It is a solid place to stand as it does not move or shake and because of it we need not tremble. It's from that stance that we find the next solid stone to step out on; the next paver of truth found in His word where we plant our foot.

As we move this way, stone upon stone, we find ourselves walking out of the storms and into the brightness of His light. Those who look upon Him are radiant and their faces are never covered with shame. One step at a time on one solid stone of truth at a time steady and true and we will find our way out. There is a quote that says, 'Somtimes God calms the storm. Sometimes He lets the storm rage and He calms His child.' So when and if the storms don't calm, we know that He can calm us in the midst of them; that we in His peace will stand unafraid, firm and solid.

'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. 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. 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.' Matthew 7:24-27

'Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.' Ephesians 6:13

'Blessed be God, my mountain, who trains me to fight fair and well. He's the bedrock on which I stand, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight, the high crag where I run for dear life, while he lays my enemies low.' Psalm 144:1

'Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.' 1 Corinthians 16:13-14