Build a strong relationship with Jesus by strengthening your foundation of faith, trust, prayer, and shared values. Discover how to grow closer to Him and build a faith that stands strong.
Any builder knows that a strong foundation is essential. If the foundation is weak, the entire structure risks collapsing. This becomes especially true as the structure grows taller. Similarly, if we want to build a great and lasting relationship, we need a strong foundation.
Every strong relationship rests on trust, good communication, respect, and shared values. Without these foundational qualities, a relationship will struggle to last. Many people build relationships on weaker or superficial qualities, and those relationships often collapse or fail to grow stronger.
The one person with whom we should build the strongest relationship is Jesus. However, we cannot simply grow that relationship without first making sure we have a solid foundation. Do we truly believe in and trust Him? How often do we talk to Him? Do we share the values and morals that He teaches? We need to establish a strong foundation before we can build our relationship with Jesus, or our efforts will never reach their full potential.
Some people may say, “It’s too late for me,” or, “My foundation just wasn’t built strong.” But it is never too late to reinforce or rebuild your foundation. Consider Peter. The very man Jesus chose as the foundation, or rock, of His Church denied Him three times. Peter nearly sank beneath the waves when he doubted Jesus. Shortly after Jesus proclaimed Peter as the rock, He even told him, “Get behind me, Satan.” Yet God used Peter’s weaknesses and failures to make him an even stronger rock in the long run.
Many times, our sins and failures can make us stronger. Once we have traveled down a dark road and experienced its devastation, we often have a greater determination never to travel that road again. Our failures can teach us, humble us, and ultimately strengthen our faith when we allow Jesus to work through them.
No matter where you are in your relationship with Jesus, take a structural analysis of your foundation. Then examine the structure you have built upon it. Is it a small hut, or is it a towering skyscraper? Identify the weaknesses in your relationship with Jesus and work to strengthen them. If we build and maintain a strong relationship with Jesus, we will not have any doubt of our eternal destination. Our future will be with our true love.
