1 Peter 2:4
“And coming to Him as to a living stone…”
He is our Rock. He is our stability when we are confused, fearful or unsure. We are cyclical. There are times when all is well. Yet there are other times when we are unsettled. When Jacob was blessing his sons, he spoke to Rueben. Genesis 49:4 says, you are as “unstable as water…” That refers to his fickleness and unreliability. I’m referring to our inner stability. This verse makes me think of the feeling of trying to stand up in a canoe. It’s very difficult. Our arms are out, moving in all directions attempting to gain balance. At times our circumstances are so challenging that we feel unsure.
God wants us to go to Him in these times. The disciples were in danger in a boat on a stormy sea. Jesus came to their rescue walking on the water. Matthew 14:28-31 says, Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him…” This is perfect. Peter is excited by Jesus’ walking on the water and wants to do it to. He gets permission, yet half way through, gets fearful. We do this constantly. Our enthusiasm and drive propels us into all sorts of situations. Half way through things fall apart. At these times we should call out to Him; just as Peter did.
His assistance is instant, yet we won’t feel it for a while. It’s by faith. We are to trust that He will respond. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Our faith grows as we’ve experienced His deliverance. As we commit our ways to Him, we are to trust that He is not surprised by our circumstances. He has allowed them and is using them for His purposes. At times there will be storms. We don’t have to get alarmed. Keep praying. This is what it means to build our lives on Him, our Rock. We’re on stable ground, even though our circumstances don’t appear so.
One evidence of building our lives on Him is peace. Philipians 4:6,7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace isn’t a positive attitude that we have to maintain. It’s the result of giving our lives to and trusting Him. Stay in His Word and treat life as a walk with Him. This is building a life on the Rock.
Lord, thank You that we can come to You as a living stone. Thank You for Your help, stability and peace. Help us to build a grand house upon the Rock.