Unshakeable Foundations of Faith

One day I walked the shoreline at Madeira Beach in Florida. As I walked, I saw cement foundations jutting out into the ocean feet every so often. Because they weren’t huge, I searched online to see why they were there. I discovered they were created to prevent beach erosion. 

I stopped to watch the waves wash over the foundations. These cement structures were concrete and unchangeable. They did break the waves as the water rushed in.

Foundations of faith came to my mind. Daryl and I had created them long ago as we taught truths, practiced reciting Bible verses, read scripture and sang Bible songs. I sensed Jesus saying, “The waves of the world can’t wash the foundational beliefs you give your children. When waves hit the solid foundations of scripture, it breaks the power of waves of words, actions and storms if they will remember to believe them. You have planted foundational truths into your children when they were young. Speak and pray using them!”

Then to bring it home to a greater depth, I realized that if our children enter areas where the waves of immorality, compromise and sin are huge, the waves may come crashing in, but as the waves recede, one can still see the foundation holding fast and remaining unchanged. 

Friend, your prodigal loved one still has a cement foundation of truth you taught them. Even if they are tossed by the waves of their choices, they have a remembrance to know the truth. We can pray…

“Holy Spirit, bring to [prodigal name’s] mind the foundational Bible truths that were taught years ago.

Holy Spirit, bring to [prodigal name’s] mind the ability hear the truth, see the truth, so the truth can set them free.

Now speak despite distance,

“[prodigal name’s], let the waters of sin break because you know the truth so the truth can set you free.

Almighty God, you can speak through your voice or through others. Design these moments to set them free. I trust you to do this.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

The Lasting Power of Scripture

The sign of those foundations is a reminder that the Word of God is unshakeable. What is planted through His truth never returns void. Teaching children to hide verses in their hearts, singing songs of faith, and speaking Scripture over their lives is like pouring cement that time cannot erode. Even in wandering seasons, the truths of scripture for healing and scripture for strength remain buried deep within. The storms may be fierce, but the word of God stands immovable.

Isaiah reminds us of this enduring promise:

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” – Isaiah 40:8.

Praying for Prodigals

The story of these foundations naturally turns to the calling of praying for prodigals. Prayer has the power to awaken memory, stir conviction, and spark hope. Like the waves hitting the shore, the world can press in, but it cannot erase the foundation underneath.

The Holy Spirit has a way of bringing back scriptures once sung, verses once recited, and truths once planted. Loved ones may wander, but the foundations of faith remain unshaken. Prayer is the faithful act of aligning with God’s heart for their restoration.

A Call to Hope

Take courage, friend. The prayers you pray are not wasted. The foundation you helped establish is still firm. God’s Word endures, His promises are sure, and He is faithful to complete the work He began.

Keep planting truth, keep speaking life, and keep trusting the One who laid the foundation to also bring the restoration.