“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock…” Matthew 7:24

Home Improvement

It amazes me every year at the high levels of activity as the seasons change, and spring pops with a flurry of color. The home improvement stores are packed with hopeful folks who see “the possibilities”—wanting to make any sort of change that will help pull them out of the drab, dark months of winter. Paint? Flowers? Oh, I’ve been in those stores all right, and that’s when it hit me—our house needs remodeling. Of course! Why didn’t I see it before?

So, as anyone who’s lived through a remodel can tell you, there’s a lot more to it than throwing up a new cupboard or two. My, oh my, a lot more. Who knew what the Lord had in mind, as my husband and I dove into the “home improvement” process?

It’s funny how when the Lord builds a house; it’s on an entirely different level. We seem to think we’re just changing a sink out, but in the Lord’s world, He’s more into the negotiation process between husband and wife. Now that’s “where the rubber meets the road,” or where, more appropriately, the hammer meets the nail.

Here’s what I know: every home improvement involves some sort of conflict! So much fun! You’ve got two personalities, two ideas about the proper way to do things, and many other areas ripe for debate. God is into home improvement too—just not in the way we expect. He’s always looking at hearts and the way we deal with things. Are we holding unforgiveness in our hearts? Are we demanding our own way? How are our communication skills? Are we showing respect for one another? Are we admitting to our spouse and the Lord our wrong behavior?

I’d like to say I passed all those tests with flying colors, but sadly, no. But once into this giant hornets’ nest of rearranging, dirt and pandemonium, I’m learning one thing—this house is truly “founded on the Rock”—Jesus! “…and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock” (Matthew 7:25).

We’re committed to this house that God is building, in more ways than one! Certainly, terrible things will try to shake us, shake us to our very core, but we know God is doing a work. It’s not always comfortable. It’s not always fun. But the end result will be lovely to behold—even better than a new kitchen sink! Amen!

Dear Lord, You must chuckle a bit (I do) at our tiny perspective on things; we’re painting a kitchen wall, and You’re building our mansion in heaven. And that will be grand! Thank You for Your patience with us as we learn Your purposes are for our good. Amen!