The Unshakable Foundation
A life built on the solid rock of Jesus stands unshaken through every storm.
Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
The foundation of our faith and the church is not a man-made structure, nor is it built on the reputation of apostles or prophets as human authorities. In today’s devotional, E. Stanley Jones points to Paul’s clear teaching that while the apostles and prophets played an essential role in delivering God’s message, the only true foundation is Jesus Himself. Apostles and prophets were living stones in the spiritual house, but they were not the foundation on which it all rests. That place belongs to Jesus alone.
Jones warns that when the church tries to root its identity in apostolic claims or human leadership, it ends up building on shifting ground. Confusion and division follow, because people inevitably fail, but Jesus never does. The apostles were never meant to be the endpoint of faith. Our trust and our unity come from resting on the solid rock of the Lord Himself.
He also clarifies that Paul’s reference in Ephesians to the “foundation of the apostles and prophets” should be understood in light of their role as proclaimers of the gospel. They pointed to Jesus, not to themselves. Even Paul, an apostle, called Jesus the only foundation. The true church is not “apostolic” in the sense of being built on men. It is “Christian,” built entirely on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Jones contends this truth frees us from a shaky dependence on personalities or institutions. In any event, it is clear our security is not found in denominational lineage or human authority, but in the unchanging reality of who Jesus is and what He has done. Everything else will fail if it tries to take His place. Only the foundation laid in Him will stand forever.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am your foundation. Your faith is not built on shifting human ideas or the strength of another person’s name. It rests on Me, the solid rock that cannot be moved. Others may proclaim the message and point you toward Me, but I alone am the bedrock beneath your feet.
Do not let your confidence be shaken when leaders falter or movements fade. I have never changed. I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. When storms come, those who build on Me will stand firm. My Word is truth. My life is in you. My promises are unbreakable.
Stand in the reality that I am your unshakable foundation. You are joined with others as living stones in a spiritual house, but all of it rests on Me. Keep your heart and your hope fixed on the One who cannot fail, and you will not be moved.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:20–21, 1 Peter 2:5–6, Matthew 7:24–25, Hebrews 13:8, Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 18:2, Colossians 2:6–7
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine placing a heavy safe on a floor that looks strong but is made of rotting wood. It might hold for a time, but eventually it will give way, and everything inside will be lost. Now imagine setting that same safe on a reinforced concrete slab. No matter the weight, the slab will not shift or crack.
Our faith works the same way. When it rests on people or systems, it is like placing it on rotting boards—it may seem stable, but time will reveal its weakness. When we build on Jesus, we rest on a foundation that will never crumble. Today, when doubts or disappointments arise, you can say, “Lord, I trust You to keep me steady in this moment,” knowing the ground beneath you will never give way.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, thank You that You are the foundation of my faith and my life. I rejoice that I am not dependent on human strength, reputation, or tradition to stand secure. I praise You that no matter what changes around me, You remain my rock, my fortress, and my sure footing. I trust You to hold me steady today and to keep me anchored in Your truth.