By Pastor Jason Goubourn  “Faith Matters” is a column that features pieces written by local religious figures. Amidst all of the amazing resources we have at our fingertips that make life convenient, the average person tends to focus only on what someone or something produces as opposed to what must take place in order to produce it. For example, we don’t typically care about the intricate details that make our microwaves work. We simply want to enjoy the hot food it produces.  It’s important to understand that typically, the inner workings are not nearly as attractive as what is produced on the surface. As important as they are to the health of  a home, unfinished basements and exposed utilities are not a selling point for a homebuyer. The unsightly inner workings won’t get buyers through the door. No one drives through a multi-million dollar neighborhood to marvel at all the beautiful foundations. Instead, we focus on what is built on foundation such as the architecture or the sprawling exterior.  Yet, it is the foundation beneath the surface that determines the health and stability of the home. Similarly, you can’t merely look at a person and determine whether or not they can effectively withstand the attacks of Satan and push through the various storms of life. You must go beyond the surface and find out what is at the foundation of  their faith.  I believe this is what God saw when He chose King David out of all his brothers. In comparison, David wasn’t much to behold, but God knew he was grounded in the confidence and convictions of God. 1 Samuel 16:7 says “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” The reality is, the attacks of the enemy and the various storms of life will come. In those moments of difficulty, the foundation that your faith is built upon is what will make the difference between overcoming or succumbing to the challenges of this world and the snares of Satan. The challenge we all face in this life is being mindful of what and who we choose to build our lives upon. Some people rely on finances. Others depend on their intellect. However, these things won’t help when battling suicidal thoughts or the anxiety that is stirred up by the various unknowns of tomorrow. I have found that a life built on Jesus creates a solid foundation of faith that doesn’t waver in difficult and uncertain times. Isaiah 28:16 says it this way; 16 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.” As you continue to build your life and legacy, from my personal experience, I encourage you to build your life upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ and the word of God. He won’t waver.  Jason Goubourn is the lead pastor of Church on the Rock New Haven and president of Church on the Rock Global. Previous ​“Faith Matters” columns:  • Faith Matters: Will You Cross The Road?• Faith Matters: Jesus Remembered Immigrants• Faith Matters: 17 Steps To Self-Care• Extreme Compassion• True Sanctuary• Faith Matters: Faith Over Fear• Faith Matters: Scar Glory• Faith (Still) Matters• Missions Ride on Faith• Faith Matters: Not Moonwalking• My Prayer For Peace Unity• Faith Matters: Belief In Action• Faith Matters: Gaza  Ramadan• Faith Matters: On Passover  Redemption• Faith Matters: Freedom Struggles  Holy Week• Faith Matters: Welcome The Stranger• Faith Matters: Beyond Neutrality• Faith Matters: The Lightened Yoke Is Love• Faith Matters: Combat Negativity With Compassion• Faith Matters: In The Middle• Faith Matters: Three Scandals• Faith Matters: The Three Hounds Of Hell• Faith Matters: In Praise Of Empathy• Faith Matters: Focus On God• Faith Matters: How To Say Goodbye• Missing Catherine• Faith Matters: Divine Light In Times Of Darkness• Jesus Islam• Faith  Famine• A Stick Of Faith• Faith Matters: For All The Saints The post Start With The Foundation appeared first on New Haven Independent. ...read more read less