Introduction
“Happy New Year!” Well, the New Year is here, and with it comes our hope or wish for happiness and success. But as we look ahead, we must face a sobering truth: hoping and wishing for a better year won’t make it happen. People desire a happy new year but may unknowingly head toward a crisis due to their attitude toward God's Word. How can we proactively live lives of stability and resilience to avoid jeopardizing our future due to foolishness? Jesus' said something in Matthew 7:24-27 that answers this question. What determines whether we stand or fall is the foundation we choose to build our lives upon. This is the way of wisdom. Let us resolve to build lives of stability and resilience, avoiding the foolishness that leads to ruin.
Three Resolutions
Resolution 1: Be Realistic About Trials. (v.25a, 27a)
Jesus doesn't say "if" storms come; He implies "when." Trials are a certainty in life. Instead of being surprised or disheartened by challenges, expect them. Acknowledge that hardship is part of the fallenness of creation (Romans 8:18-21) and is often used by God to mold us into the image of His Son, Jesus (James 1:2-4). Think of a builder who regularly checks the weather forecast. When they know storms are coming, they plan accordingly. The same goes for those who want to travel or create an event. Likewise, we must anticipate life’s challenges for they will surely come. Pretending or “manifesting” will not help. Start the year by embracing a realistic perspective of the future. You may even write down potential challenges you may face and pray for wisdom and strength to navigate them even before they happen. This is not being negative or pessimistic; this is trusting in God’s word!
Resolution 2: Be Faithful With Your Lifestyle. (v.24-25)
The wise builder doesn’t wait for the storm to start building a strong house; they prepare in advance so that, when the storms come, their house will remain standing. When do you build a resilient life? The best time to strengthen your foundation was when you started following Jesus. The next best time is now! Invest in habits that strengthen your spiritual foundation as soon as possible. For example, start daily Bible reading, studying, and prayer (Psalm 1:1-3), join a Christian community and small group, and seek wise counsel and accountability regularly with a spiritual companion or director. Imagine trying to put up an umbrella in the middle of a downpour. That will be too late. Preparation happens before the storm. Take one proactive step this week to strengthen your foundation—whether it's starting a Bible-reading or studying plan, joining a community and small group, or seeking a mentor.
Resolution 3: Be Serious About God’s Word. (v.26-27)
Knowing God’s Word without applying it is like building on sand—it looks fine until the storm hits. Then you will know the foolishness of your strategy. Practice what you are learning from Scripture, whether it’s about forgiving others, trusting God in uncertainty, or serving others through your gifts. Reflect on James 1:22: *“Do not merely listen to the word... Do what it says.” A gym membership won’t make you fit unless you actually exercise. All the resolutions in the world won’t help you if you don’t take the next step. Similarly, hearing sermons won’t transform your life unless you act on them. Commit to applying one lesson from today’s message. Write it down and share it with someone for accountability. Be serious, now shallow, when it comes to God’s word.
Conclusion
The storms of life will reveal the foundations of your life. Storms are inevitable, but how we weather them depends on the foundation we build long before they actually come. Let us resolve in 2025 to: 1) Be realistic about trials, 2) Be faithful with our lifestyle, and 3) Be serious about God’s Word. You don’t need to wait for the storms to reveal your true foundation. You must start building wisely now! When challenges come–and they will surely come–you’ll be able to stand firm, knowing your life is anchored in Christ, your Rock.
Prayer: "Lord, help us to build our lives on the solid foundation of Your Word. Teach us to be realistic about trials, be faithful with our lifestyle, and be serious about God’s word. May we glorify You in all we do and face this year with confidence and resilience. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
Discussion
1. What trials or storms have you experienced recently, and how did they reveal the strength of your foundation in Christ?
2. What steps can you take this year to proactively build a stronger spiritual foundation?
3. How do you personally balance hearing God’s Word and putting it into action?
4. In what areas of your life might you be building on "sand" instead of the "rock"?
5. How can your group help each other become doers of God’s Word and stay resilient through life’s challenges this new year?