4 minute read
“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” (Hebrews 3:4 NIV)
God has a master plan for your life. When we submit to Him, we discover what He has in store for us. But when we try to do life on our own, we’re building a house He never intended us to create.
As I’ve aged, I’ve learned a new appreciation for the saying, “She (or he) is her (his) own worst enemy.” I can see my mom saying the phrase about different people in our lives, but I didn’t understand what she meant. Now I have a better idea. Some people can’t help themselves; every decision they make is a bad one. I have discovered that people who make bad decisions don’t stop and think, nor do they ask for advice. Instead, they assume they know everything and act as if they do, in the end, hurting themselves more than anyone else.
Build your house out of brick.
My brother’s are brick mason’s and contractors. They have spent their lives building beautiful homes for people. As a bricklayer, the going is slow because you lay one brick at a time. After years of practice, the pace quickens, but the process doesn’t change. Plans made, lines laid, mortar mixed, bricks placed precisely, one at a time. Eventually, over time, the house takes shape, creating a fortress that is hard to destroy. Each day is a brick, the decisions we make, building our home.
Just like bricklayers have a process they use to build a sturdy house, we can develop a decision-making process. Solomon tells us how:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
First, acknowledge God in all things. Admit you don’t know everything; instead, turn to the One who does. Then submit your will to His will, even if you don’t understand what He is doing. Choose to trust Him, then watch as He makes your paths straight. Let the Master Bricklayer help you build a fortress no one can penetrate.
As houses get taller, bricklayers use scaffolding. The metal bars connect, creating a platform for my brothers to stand on as they work. Without the support of the connected ladders, they couldn’t finish their work. We’re the same; when life gets too complicated, we need help. As we reach higher and higher, God lifts us. Through Him, we can do things we couldn’t do alone.
Don’t cause yourself harm with the decisions you make. Instead, admit you don’t know everything. Turn to the One who does, submit to God. Let the builder of everything build your life.
Question of the Day:
Are you your own worst enemy?
Further Reading:Ezekiel 1:1-3:15 NIV, Hebrews 3 NIV, Psalm 104:1-23 NIV, Proverbs 26:24-26 NIV
