God’s Building Plan

There are some very important truths that God wants us to know – they are posted for us in Colossians 2:6-7:

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted.”

Since you have received salvation through Jesus Christ, you can walk confidently with God.

Knowing God has firmly rooted you means you are strong and steady in Jesus.

Today we find out another truth “and now being built up in Him”. 

I love that phrase!  It’s freeing to know I can trust that something new is coming.  And it’s something good because I’m being built up in Jesus – He’s the foundation.

We feel the world’s demolition crew at work every day; the culture trashes our faith and tears down the truth that we’ve learned. 

But right NOW, you and I are BEING BUILT UP.  It’s happening in us; we’re not doing anything to achieve or earn it.  We aren’t striving to make it happen.  And we can be certain that what Jesus is building in us can withstand the blows from our Enemy.

I’ve been involved in a few building projects with my husband over the years.  We’ve worked on our house – since it’s nearly 90 years old something is always in need of an update.  But the biggest project we’ve undertaken was the rebuilding after the tornado nearly 7 years ago.

As I’ve mentioned before, our farm was in the path of at F4 tornado and much of the business part of our farm was destroyed.  Barn, bins, machine shop, buildings were all in need of rebuilding.  We had dozens of workers at our home/farm for the good part of a year.  The next year, my husband and I finished more projects.  So, that’s my building project resume’.  I’ve learned firsthand what being built up looks like. 

First you need a PLAN.  Some construction guys may come in with a big idea, but if you don’t have a plan written down, don’t start building!

There’s a plan for your life too – GOD has written it and He’s the general contractor.  His plan for you will be completed … right on time … and perfectly sound.

Next, being built up requires PEOPLE.  I may be able to build a bookcase by myself but that’s about it.  Building something of significance requires many hands to help do the work. 

Being built up spiritually requires other followers of Jesus.  By being right here today you are being built up!  God has put you among a group of women who are seeking after God – for themselves AND for you.  What a gift!

If you’ve ever seen a 2-man saw at work, you’ll understand the way living in community works. 

In order for the saw to work, it requires 2 people.  They need to work together. 

            Keep tension on the blade – keep it steady.

            Keep pressure on the teeth – keep it moving.

            Each pulls with similar force so one cannot overpower the other –keep it balanced.

            It takes practice – keep at it, don’t give up!

God’s building those healthy kinds of relationships in our lives too.  He wants our relationships with other believers to be steady… moving forward… balanced … and never giving up on one another! 

Finally, being built up is a PROCESS.  It takes time for everything to come together.  The process of being built up in Jesus won’t be completed here in earth – so relax and learn to wait on God’s timing.  I promise it will be worth the wait.  But don’t just take my word for it … Ephesians 2 puts it this way,

“God is building a home.  He’s using us all – irrespective of how we got here – in what he is building.  He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation.  Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together.  We see it taking shape day after day – a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.”

Not only does God build us up individually but He builds up His followers, the Church, to be a living temple that honors Him.  How great is that!

The next time you feel the world is tearing you down remember the truth – NOW you are being built up in Jesus!

Pause for Reflection:

What are some examples of your life involved in a building process with Jesus?

Do you have relationships with other Christians that exhibit steadiness and balance?

What verses can you write down to encourage your faith today?