“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine
and puts them into practice is like a wise man
who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24 (NIV)
Series: Games People Play
One finger gently touches the block. Tap, tap, tap. We search for the one that is loose so we can remove it without bringing the tower to an abrupt crash. If the tower falls on your turn, you are out. To set up the game, take the 54 wooden blocks, layer them by putting three blocks in each row. Be sure to alternate the direction of the blocks in each row. Once all the blocks have been used to construct this tall tower, it is time to play. On your turn, take a block from one row and replace it on the very top of the tower. If done successfully, you are still in the game.
With every move, the structure becomes more and more vulnerable to the possibility of falling. As the stability of the foundation layers is compromised, someone will eventually choose the wrong block and all will come tumbling down. You rebuild, and start again with the remaining players. Setting up the tower in the game of Jenga doesn’t take a lot of skill. However, deciding which block is ready to be removed from which row is a little trickier. Some say there is a strategy, others say it’s all skill or luck. No matter which camp you are in, the last person to remove and replace a block without knocking the structure down, is the winner.
Just as we build this tower of blocks, we also build our faith layer by layer. We learn new things about God and His Word as we study. Replacing the thoughts, ideas, or half-truths we once believed, with the absolute truth of God, takes time and willingness to receive it. Let’s ask ourselves if the faith we stand on is built on a firm foundation or unsteady ground. Are we solid on who we are as daughters of the King? Are we able to endure, sustain, and grow closer to Him even when things in our lives change, are removed, or even added? Building our lives on Christ assures us of this. He is our Rock.
“There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2 NASB)
“He alone is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I will not be greatly shaken.” (Psalm 62:2 NASB)
Daily connection to God is necessary to remain on solid ground and build our life upon Him. Jesus taught us He remained connected to the Father, and so we must remain connected to Him. Abiding in deep relationship, obedience to His commands, and staying rooted in His love are all things we are capable of because of the gift of His Holy Spirit. Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? If so, His Spirit is sealed within you, that you would have joy and be able to bear good fruit that grows His Kingdom.
In the game of Jenga, a block is removed from one row and is replaced in a new spot. As God’s children, we may also have “blocks” removed. Sin, unfruitful areas of our life, habits, even ministry work, or places we serve may be pruned as scripture says:
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:1-5 NASB)
As He removes something, He allows fresh evidence of our faith to bloom in us. As we bloom, we grow new strength, wisdom, and courage to share His truth. We gain fresh purpose, new abilities, stronger roots from the places that He has cut back. We will bloom beautifully for His glory.
Rejoice as you rest in Jesus, your strong tower. He will hold you, for He is the Rock you build your life upon.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10 NASB)
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Matthew 7:24, 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalm 62:2; John 14:15, 15:1-11; Proverbs 18:10