Building Faithful Foundations
Friend, I have a tendency to rush ahead. When an exciting idea or dream finds its way into my mind, I want to grasp on and run. But these past few months have been a transformational slowing. No lofty goals, no big dreams to pursue, no actionable ideas – just an inkling to pick up my pen and write (or, more realistically, open my computer and type).
I’ve always been a dreamer. One of my favorite movies is The Polar Express. As a girl, I would wait up on Christmas Eve, hoping to hear the sound of a train. The magic of impossible things becoming reality is a core part of who I am. I love thinking about the possibilities stretched before all of us.
That belief is a strength in its own right. It’s translated into my faith in God, who is the ultimate orchestrator of the impossible. Without balance, it’s also a weakness. I love the dream glimmering in the distance, the idea as it exists in my mind. But the process of getting to that distant someday or vision isn’t always glittery or magical.
It takes discipline and the daily decision to faithfully steward what’s placed before me.
I’ll be transparent and admit discipline and consistency aren’t natural strengths of mine (which is why I’m especially thankful for the promise of His strength in areas I’m weak). But leaning into His wisdom has reminded me that foundational building can’t be skipped. When I rush ahead, I inevitably miss important steps. I try to jump on the train when I should be laying tracks.
That’s not to say magic and possibility aren’t present in foundational steps, but they’re not always glamorous. They don’t necessarily line up with the big dreams. They feel small, sometimes pointless. Maybe it’s the dreamer in me, but I think it’s in those small and faithful steps God can work His greatest miracles. He’s always able to show up in powerful and profound ways.
Striving isn’t the life we’re designed for. This isn’t a post encouraging the “hustle your way to success” narrative. We can rest in His promises as we slowly and faithfully build, knowing He’s working on our behalf, too. The pressure doesn’t sit on our shoulders alone.
But let’s be dreamers willing to lay the foundation. Let’s pour our concrete before picking the light fixtures.
The process before the promise isn’t a punishment. I think it can be filled with rich mercies and kindness. For one, if we’re open to instruction from His gentle spirit, we’ll be led by still waters and green pastures. I’ve learned my preferred path is never what’s best. Relying on His wisdom is a big piece of laying the foundation. We want the bedrock of our lives to be set upon He who is unshakeable. His grand design and sovereign delays are never woven together with even a hint of malice or judgment. He is kind and He is good. He can be trusted with the path, both in the preparation and the harvest.
And we have the miraculous opportunity to partner with Him every day, one faithful step at a time.
P.S. I never want to share anything that isn’t actively being applied in my life. I don’t always know what to do with my writing, but I do know it’s important to build discipline. As of this publishing date, I’m on day 16 of consistently writing a minimum of 300 words every day. It’s not a drastic goal or a massive milestone, but every day it feels like I’m laying another track. One day, the train will come.
