I was recently privileged to spend 3 nights in a log cabin way up in the mountains of Tennessee – not far from Gatlinburg. Now I grew up on the side of a mountain and am used to mountain roads. But this was something else! It seemed like I was driving to the backside of nowhere. And there were several hills as I crested I could not see beyond the hood of the car and wondered  if I was going to drop off…

It amazed me that the  state allowed  roads to be built with such a steep grade – but it was private property so I guess that was OK. It was a bit scary – even for me.

The point for me to be there was to be quiet and alone. I was. Not another cabin in sight! Just miles and miles of mountains. Wonderful views.

“My” cabin was perched over the side of the mountain and behind my cabin was another one – again perched on the side of the mountain. I became interested in the foundations of these structures. What kept them there?

You can see what I mean!

Which house looks more secure? 

Reminds me of Matthew 7: 24-27  “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.  Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.  But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

And the hymn that says,

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said—
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee thy trouble to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not harm thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”

How firm is your foundation?