December 10: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   December 10, 2025

Storms Reveal the Strength of Our Foundation: The storms in life test the strength of our foundation. Jesus illustrates that those who fail to act on His words are like foolish builders whose foundations crumble under pressure.

Wednesday Verse

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

How do I respond to life’s challenges? Do they reveal a need for a stronger spiritual foundation?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

Among the things that impress me about Jesus’ teaching is its simplicity and practicality. Unlike so many gifted teachers, He never comes across like He is trying to impress His audience; instead, He is working to inform them on how to live wisely and inspire them to do so. His teaching is clear enough for children to understand and deep enough to keep intellectuals challenged.

The parable this week is a perfect example. Jesus says, “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? ⁴⁷ I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. ⁴⁸ It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.” Luke 6:46-48 (NLT)

There is nothing tricky about this – whoever most influences your thinking, attitudes, and actions is your “lord.” If I call myself a follower of Jesus but don’t live according to His teaching, simply put, I am a liar. Being honest about this is pretty important.

The next thing we see in the parable is that, while I am free to make my choices, I am not free from the subsequent consequences of them. If I build my life around Jesus and His teaching, I am promised that He will take good care of me. Living for Him isn’t the “easy” way, but it is ultimately the best way. The tough choices to obey Him build my character and protect me from ultimate harm.

I think some want the image of being a Follower but are lured into thinking that obedience is optional and that an easy way of living is preferable. Just as in a building where the contractor took shortcuts in the foundation, when trouble and pressure inevitably come, the result will be disaster. Jesus wants the best for us. We get to choose if we accept His leadership or go our own way.

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” John 14:21 (NLT)

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org