ROMANS 15:20

“And in this way I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already known by name, so that I would not build on another person’s foundation;”

I know just enough about construction to be dangerous. But I do know that you must have a strong foundation if you want your structure to stand the test of time. We have all seen buildings which have cracked foundation blocks or door jams and windows that have moved. Not good! You have literally got to start from the bottom to ensure the top remains intact.

Paul shares in verse 20 a little about his calling. He was called “to preach the gospel” to a place “not where Christ was already known” and he “would not build on another person’s foundation.” That’s pretty specific. I believe that is how God works. When He calls us to do a work for Him, He gives us all the details we need at the moment. It may not be the full picture (we probably could not handle that), but it is specific enough for us to take the next step in faith.

APPLICATION

When I read today’s verse, I instantly thought of 1 Corinthians 3:10-11. Do you know it? “10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each person must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” That passage goes on to describe the kind of foundation that will survive the test of fire. But I want us to focus on the true foundation Paul mentions there – Jesus Christ. If we are not building our ministries on Him, they are all wood, hay and stubble.

In the previous few verses in Romans 15, Paul has been telling us to not boast about things we have done or things we have claimed as ours which someone else has done. He is continuing that thought here. Paul could only boast in Jesus and the privilege he had been given to suffer for Him in the calling he had to reach the Gentiles. He had been called to a difficult task. It wasn’t one lined with roses and tulips. It was more about stones, beatings, shipwrecks and even snake bites. God’s calling us does not mean we are isolated from dangers.

What has God called you to do? If you know He has called you, step out in faith and follow. He will lead you. One of my memory verses this year is Isaiah 26:3. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.” That’s the key. Trust the foundation your calling is built on. Jesus Christ will never crack and shift under the weight. He is true and solid and will last for eternity. Build on that!

Father God, I know I can trust Your foundation, Jesus Christ Your Son.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis).