Standing Firm

Following years of declining health, my father’s death was not unexpected, but it felt as if the earth had shifted under my feet. I felt as if I were no longer standing on firm, level ground. 

The funeral took place in the church my father had attended all his life, the same church where he and my mother raised four children. When I entered that familiar building, I remembered how – decades before – my father had helped move massive amounts of earth, making the ground solid and level for an expansion of the church.

This thought helped me to stand with renewed confidence that the physical ground beneath me was solid. Then other memories from my childhood filled my mind – scenes of my father reading his Bible, praying, listening, asking questions, helping a neighbour in need. So many thoughts reminded me that my father built his life on a foundation of faith.

Like the wise builder of the parable who builds his house on solid ground, we can put our trust in God. With such trust we can find comfort and assurance, allowing us to stand with confidence through the challenges of life.

Prayer: Dear God, strengthen our faith. Help us trust in you and abide in your love even during times of struggle. Amen