When we began construction on our first church building, my friend Al and I met every Monday morning to evaluate the progress. I was never happy with what had been accomplished. One day, Al got fed up with my whining. He walked me over to where the foundation was being dug and said, “Ron, I know they are digging down instead of building up. But if they don’t dig deep and build this building on a solid foundation, whatever is above ground will crack and crumble. Be patient. Digging deep to ensure a solid foundation is the most important part of this project.”

A fresh start and a strong finish both include digging deep.

Let’s check out this story Jesus told as he wrapped up his Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 7:24-27
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

One man built his home…in a hurry. He didn’t take the time to dig a foundation. He had too many urgent things to get done. He was busy doing life. He was content to build a foundationless house. It looked great from the outside. It was big and impressive. People slowed down when they drove by to admire the structure. But then, the storm hit one day, and the house fell with a great crash.

Another man took the time to do what was most important. He started to dig and didn’t stop until he hit rock. That’s where he built his house…right on the rock. Then the storm came—it always does. But his house stood firm “because it had been founded on the rock.”

Fresh starts and strong finishes both include digging deep. Our souls need a rock-solid foundation found only in a life committed to being anchored in Jesus. Growing in Christ takes time. It involves pick-and-shovel work—reading and studying God’s Word when you don’t feel like it, obeying God’s Word when obeying is hard, and staying spiritually focused when temporal distractions are screaming at you to look their way. But when storms hit, you will stand firm in unshakable faith. So grab the pick and shovel. The digging starts anew—right now.

Father, remind me that shortcuts result in destruction. Give me the wisdom to follow your instruction…to put your words into practice. I pray for the strength and perseverance to dig deep until I hit rock. Help me to start fresh so I can finish strong. In Jesus’ name. Amen.