“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ 1 Corinthians 3:11
It amazes me how the defiance of an 11-year-old can dictate an entire week worth of behaviors under one roof. It amazes me how one word spoken by a colleague can remove the wind from the sail. It amazes me how a late invoice can set off a chain reaction of not-so good news in a growing business. This week has had its share of elevated noise, lawless responses and bad attitudes yielding a frame of mind within me that is fatigued and mentally exhausted, giving way to a body that does not feel like getting up. Whenever there is a swing and a miss it affects everything and the last activity I want to do is stand and take another one across the chin.
The apostle Paul was beaten, shipwrecked and physically destroyed. Water overwhelmed Isaiah. Micah sat in darkness. John was exiled, Levi was isolated, Job lost his business and David lost a child. I wonder how many times these biblical greats didn’t feel like getting back in the ring. My excuse today is lame, void of logic and pains the heart of God when so many more have come before me giving their very life for the sake of the Gospel.
The Lord has spoken well of me and blessed me all of my life. As I look back there is not one single moment where God’s hand was not overwhelmingly present. There is not one single moment where His hand did not bless me or protect me or provide for me. The Lord has been faithful in showing up when I have called Him and He has been faithful in speaking on my behalf.
Paul’s story is interesting. My story is interesting. Your story is interesting. But it’s not the point. Our achievements may be marvelous but they are not germane. Our curiosity may be understandable but it is not relevant. Our ambition may be noteworthy, but it is not the storyline. Our pain may be paralyzing, but it is not permanent. First Corinthians 13:10 says ‘Do that for what you were created for.’ Push through the pain, the exhaustion, the tears and lift your voices in gratitude and bless the Lord. Cast your concerns upon Him and get out of bed. Dust the dirt off your pants and take another base. Wipe the blood from the end of your nose and get your fists ready to do it again.
Showing up is hard and rising from a defeat is not for the faint of heart. But, when you are His it is necessary. I have learned there is just as much growth in the rising as there is in the falling. He is worthy, He is faithful and He is committed. And when you show up don’t be surprised if He chooses to build His ‘church’ right there. God alone is the point of the story and He is the only foundation worthy of construction.
