“According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1Cor 3:10, 11)

As a congregation, we are getting ready to move to our new church building. As a family, my husband and I, we are getting ready to move into our new home. We are counting the days. The work is much but the grace is supplied. We have prayed for an easy transition and God has answered the prayer more than we could have imagined.

Many sisters have asked if they can come and help with the work in our house. With all the pots and pans on the floor, the offer to help is natural. That was so good of them. But to each I gently and firmly said ‘no’. Is it because I do not need help? I do! But it is a spiritual principle that for every new work you need to lay the foundation yourself. He that lays the foundation is ‘the owner’ of the land, of the business. Together with my husband, I need to be alone in my house as I quietly and prayerfully decide where each item goes to. I need to know where my things are located in this new house. I need to wash the plates and things placing them on the shelves by myself.

Later, I may delegate responsibility to others ‘to build’ on our foundation. Time will tell if I need that help or not.

This is the counsel of Paul, the ‘wise builder’. It is good especially as you contemplate the start of a new ministry, building project or business. You need to lay the foundation yourself! Dig deep until you touch the Rock of Ages! You need to be secure in that new beginning! Laying the foundation is safety for the future! You have to do what you have to do! Sharing a vision too early, delegating work to others before the foundation is laid by you, spiritually speaking, that is a dangerous step! There is a time to work and there is time to rest.

Now, for us, it is the time of blessed work for God! The foundation for our ministry and home is Jesus Christ and Him Crucified! Him we preach! Him we serve! On Him we rest our tired bodies and souls! Praise God for this new beginning! The glory of the latter house is indeed greater than the former! To God be all the glory!