“ASKING FOR A FRIEND” WEEK 4 DEVOTIONAL
Day 1: Building on the Rock: Obedience to Jesus’ Words
A life that endures the storms is not built merely on hearing Jesus’ words, but on acting upon them—submitting every part of life to His teaching. Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders reminds us that both groups hear His words, but only those who put them into practice have a foundation that holds when trouble comes. The storms of life are not a sign of failure or lack of faith; they are inevitable, and they reveal what our lives are truly built upon. When obedience to Jesus shapes your daily choices, you may still feel the wind and rain, but your house will stand—not because of your own strength, but because of the solid foundation beneath you. [12:40]
Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you know Jesus has spoken, but you have yet to act on His words? What would it look like to take a concrete step of obedience today?
Day 2: The Storms Reveal, Not Destroy
The storms of life—pain, grief, doubt, disappointment—are not punishments or exceptions to the faithful life; they are part of being alive. Jesus never promised a storm-free existence, but He did promise that a life rooted in Him will endure. The storm is not the problem; it simply reveals the strength and substance of your foundation. When your life is built on Christ, you may still experience loss and hardship, but you will not be undone. The security comes not from your own ability to withstand, but from the unshakable foundation of Jesus Himself. [14:50]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Reflection: Think of a recent or current storm in your life. How has it revealed the foundation you are building on, and how might you invite Jesus to strengthen that foundation today?
Day 3: Rejecting Failing Foundations
Many of us have built parts of our lives on foundations that over-promised and under-delivered—prosperity gospel, legalism, simplistic answers to suffering, nationalism disguised as Christianity, or shame-based ethics. These foundations may look sturdy and even sound biblical, but when life’s reality hits, they cannot hold. Jesus calls us to recognize and renounce these false foundations, not with shame, but with compassion and honesty. The invitation is to rebuild on the truth of who Jesus is, on grace, and on the authority of His words, rather than on trends, performance, or cultural ideologies. [21:18]
Colossians 2:6-8 (ESV)
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”
Reflection: Are there any beliefs or habits in your life that you now recognize as “failing foundations”? What is one step you can take to begin rebuilding on the truth of Jesus?
Day 4: Rebuilding Through Scripture and Community
Rebuilding a lasting faith means returning to the words of Jesus, digging deep into the Gospels, and studying Scripture not in isolation, but within biblical community. It involves seeking wisdom from those who have devoted their lives to understanding God’s Word, and being honest about the complexities and questions that arise. Instead of relying on influencers or simplistic interpretations, immerse yourself in the Scriptures with others who pursue truth, humility, and discipleship. This process is not about quick fixes, but about forming a faith that can withstand the storms and doubts of real life. [32:10]
Acts 17:11 (ESV)
“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
Reflection: How can you intentionally engage with Scripture this week—either personally or with others—in a way that goes deeper than surface reading or easy answers?
Day 5: Becoming a Counter-Witness: Grace, Presence, and Prayer
To help others rebuild faith, we must reflect the character of Jesus—offering grace, patience, humility, and truth in our relationships. This means listening before correcting, honoring people’s stories, and staying present even when they struggle or walk away. Our steady friendship and Christlike presence can be a counter-witness to the failing foundations they have experienced. Above all, we are called to pray—not as a last resort, but as an act of first love—asking God to heal, reveal, and rebuild what has been lost. Jesus invites us, without shame, to build our lives on Him, on grace, on truth, and on love that holds steady when everything else collapses. [38:39]
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the grace, patience, and presence of Jesus through you this week? How can you intentionally show them Christ’s love, even if they are far from faith?
