Foundation Check....

     I have a friend at work that I always talk to. He questions me all the time about my faith, Jesus, etc. Not in a bad way though, more like he's curious, looking for a "reason" to believe, but wants proof i guess. For the sake of animosity, we'll call my friend "Bob". Bob stumped me today with a question. Its a fairly simple question in itself, but was difficult to for me to answer on the spot. Its probably one you've heard before, i know i have, but never really thought about it and i've never had anyone ask me directly. 

     He said, "So, if God really exists, why does he let all the recent tragedies happen? like the Haiti earthquake, the Tsunami in Japan, etc.?" 

     I didn't have anything for him there, i was caught completely off guard by it. we usually have great conversations together, and he's genuinely intrigued with what i have to say most of the time. but today, i had nothing for him but a blank stare for a few seconds, which seemed like forever. I then tried to explain, but i was fumbling over my words, going back and forth, i don't even remember what i was saying. He ended up cutting me off and said, "You know what, bro? Just get back to me on that one, ok?" I think he was amused at my attempt to explain, since he was laughing at my apparent sudden inability to to speak in complete sentences. it was embarrassing to a degree. 

     So, i came home tonight searching through my Bible. Of course, i remember what im looking for when i come home, not when i needed it earlier! It was in the book of Luke, and it took me fore ever to find it. It was the Parable of the Two Foundations. Its a little long, so ill link it here for you: Luke 6:47-49

     We focus on the foundation of the man whose house was built on the rock, obviously. He obeys the words of Jesus and his house stays up. But, we tend to ignore the fact that this man STILL does go through the storm. Both of these men go through the same storm, but there is a different outcome for each.  The only difference is their foundation. Following Jesus isn’t about everything being great and not having any storms. Its is about weathering the storms WITH Jesus as our foundation.  Jesus never said that who ever listens and follows him wont go through any "storms". He says that the man who listens and follows will be able to make it through the storms because he has Jesus as his foundation. Look under your feet, do a Foundation check!