BIBLE BIT

 

Series:  A Marathon not a Sprint

 

Over these next 8 weeks we are going to be considering what will help us to persevere in the race of life and to last the course.

Week 1 - ‘A Stable Core’
 

I wonder if you have ever heard your coach talking about ‘core stability’? Perhaps you have been made to try ‘pilates’ or done some exercises on a gym ball as part of your training?
 

In my previous job as a physiotherapist, working predominately with sportspeople, I was forever emphasizing to people the need for ‘a stable core’. Let me explain: If you look at a ferris wheel in a funfair, there is movement around the wheel but the powerhouse is the centre because everything is controlled from there. Likewise the body’s core muscles (those around your middle) are the foundation for all other movement. You can get away with a weak core if your body is never put under stress but during tough exercise if you don’t have a strong stable core your body will be susceptible to injury and pain.
 

The same is the case in our Christian life.
 

I am sure if you attended Sunday School as a child you may have sung the song about the wise man who built his house upon a rock. When the rain and wind came and beat against that house, it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock. The foolish man however built his house on sand. When the storms came and beat against that house, it fell with a great crash! (Matthew 7v24-27)
Note that both builders are subject to the storms of life (v25, v27). The foundation that we choose does not remove the storms of life, but instead it ensures our survival of the storms. There will be times of trial, when we feel like everything in our lives is being shaken. This is when the ‘core stability of our life’ is tested. The foundation built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ provides the strength to survive. We have never been promised that we would not be subject to the storms of life, but we are promised that Jesus Christ will be there to see us through.
 

‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’. (Hebrews 13v8)
 

 Is Jesus the ‘core stability’ of your life?
 
EVERLASTING GOD,
The years go by but You're unchanging.
In this fragile world,
You are the only firm foundation.
Always loving, always true,
Always merciful and good, so good.

Yesterday, today and forever,
You are the same, You never change.
Yesterday, today and forever,
You are faithful and we will trust in You. (song written by Vicky Beeching)


Friends, let’s praise God this week that He is unchanging and unshakeable – the only firm foundation.