A Solid Foundation

  
When Denise and I moved to Estes Park this summer, we drove up the Big Thompson Canyon from Loveland. Even though it has been over two years since the big flood of 2013 that did so much damage to Estes Park, Glen Haven, and other locations in both canyons, you could still see the effects of the devastation.

The summer home pictured above was a victim of the flood and the landslide it caused. What amazes me is that this much of the home is still intact (along with the outhouse!). In subsequent journeys down the canyon I have watched as they slowly work on the building. Right now it is sealed off from the elements. Will they rebuild? I don’t know. What I can surmise is that part of the foundation still stands and they are building and/or repairing on the foundation.

Isn’t life like that? Sometimes the storms of life batter us and and nearly tear us apart. Yet somehow, by the grace of God, we rebuild on the foundation of faith. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells about the difference between a house built on solid rock and a house build on sand. When the storms of life batter and bash us, we find out the fragile nature of life and faith. At the same time though, we also see the strong and resilient nature of faith and life.

In a new year with new beginnings  and opportunities before us, we have a choice. Do we retreat in fear because of the fearmongering  that seems to be a staple of the politician and social debate? Do we let the wild and whacky theories of these fearmongers drive us into hiding? Or do we look to the solid promise of the one who promised to never leave us or forsake us!  

This house reminds me of the Hope that comes from the Lord. This Hope that brings peace and drives out fear. As I have watched progress at this home and in other places in the Estes Valley, I am reminded that we are not abandoned and that God can and will help us to build on the solid foundation of that peace of Christ which passes all understanding.

At our Deacon’s meeting tonight, I shared how they made a difference to so many by their quiet acts of faith and service. The funeral ministry they have… The hospital ministry… In the midst of suffering they offer hope, encouragement, love… They are helping people who may find themselves in the midst of a wreck… The storm has battered them… They are clinging to the ruins… The Hope that these quiet servants bring helps those who suffer to find the foundation. The foundation of Hope, the foundation of Love, the foundation of Peace.

Dear reader, if you are in the midst of the storm, hold on. Look for the Hope where you least expect it. If you are wondering what you can do or how you can make a difference, open your heart. You may be the beacon of Hope and Love that guides someone back to the solid foundation of Faith, Hope, and Love.