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Castles were built to protect families in Europe at the beginning of the ninth century. As castles were constructed to defend, opponents became increasingly determined to attack. As the complexity of the castles grew so did the schemes of the attackers.
Castles were usually attacked in two ways: frontal assault and sneak attack. The frontal assault was an attempt to simply overpower the castle by brute strength, while the sneak attack employed a deviousness limited only by the enemy’s imagination. Protection, though, was primarily found in an overall, detailed plan. The plan included everything from the construction of the wall around the castle, to the moat, to the towers, to the garrisons of soldiers, to the food supplies. The construction of a castle without a plan meant certain destruction.
Satan seeks to attack and destroy your “castle!” He sometimes comes with a frontal attack in the form of career pressures, distractions, relationship pressures, and sexual temptations. He sometimes comes through sneak attacks in the form of a search for significance, passivity, control, and competition. His attacks vary, but they always come.
So, what’s your plan? Dr. Gary Rosberg in his book, Guard Your Heart, says, “When our faith is built upon the rock of Almighty God, we can withstand anything life might throw against us. The foundation of my faith and yours is a relationship with the Rock, Jesus Christ. To build upon the rock means to be obedient, to be sure, to have a solid foundation. Sandy foundations didn’t secure castles in Europe, nor will they secure our faith in stormy weather. A castle built on sand may look good on a clear day when the sun shines in its strength, but when the storm clouds begin to form, such a castle is in deep trouble” (Matthew 7:21-27).
A strong “castle” (our personal faith) is built on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Don’t try to pull Jesus over to your foundation, let Him draw you to His. It is our surrender to His strength that allows His victory to be won in us.
A strong, personal faith in Jesus Christ really is the best “castle” you can build to provide protection for you, your marriage and your family! |
