Except The Lord Build Part 1

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it;” This frequently quoted scripture reminds us of the futility of labouring without God’s guidance. While hard work is important and encouraged, this scripture warns that our efforts may be wasted without a foundation rooted in God’s will. We often plan based on the variables we can see, hoping that unforeseen events will not destabilize our efforts.

Shifts That Undermine The Foundation

Imagine constructing a sturdy house in an area that later experiences an earthquake. Even if the house has a strong foundation that meets regulations, it may not withstand the quake due to the extreme ground stresses. Similarly, we may struggle to identify potential threats in life, as villains or challenges may not fit our preconceived notions. This can leave us vulnerable to those with hidden motives and events we have not prepared for.

Hidden Variables That Dilute Our Efforts

Let’s consider Lot and Abram, who were initially equally wealthy. Lot chose a place with better pastures for his livestock near Sodom and Gomorrah, leaving Abram with less favourable pastures. Many of us might have made similar decisions, focusing on maximum profit and disregarding all Abram had done for Lot. Self-interest and worldly gain were the drivers behind Lot’s decision, and he didn’t consider God’s will for Abraham, which later cost him dearly.

Genesis 13: 10-12: “Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) ¹¹ So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: ¹² Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom.”

When God Builds, Grace Abounds

It seems that Lot took from Abram what he could handle, but Lot couldn’t. Lot was focused on himself and his own aspirations, hoping to work hard for success. However, his intentions, motivations, and values did not align with God’s will for himself or Abram. He failed to recognize the issues with Sodom and Gomorrah and their impending destruction. Imagine if Lot had chosen less desirable lands and given the area near Sodom and Gomorrah to Abram. God would have guided and protected Abram as he was building his life, future, and prosperity with God.

Abram aligned with God’s will for his life and placed his riches in God’s hands. Regardless of the choices presented, he was destined to succeed, with his efforts supported by divine providence. Therefore, God’s grace does not negate the need for wisdom and hard work. Nor does hard work override the need for God’s guidance, grace and protection.

In summary, the scripture “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it;” highlights the importance of God’s guidance in our endeavours. Despite hard work, unforeseen events can undermine our efforts. Lot’s self-interest led him astray, while Abram’s alignment with God’s will ensured divine support and success. Wisdom, effort and God’s grace are essential for prosperity.

#ToUnderstandIsDivine