For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:2-5
About 1,900 years ago, the Roman emperor Hadrian ordered the Pantheon in Rome to be rebuilt. The massive concrete structure is one of the most ancient fully intact buildings in the city. Visitors from around the world come to the Pantheon to see the stunning artwork and the open dome above. The Roman Pantheon remains because of the skill used by those who initially constructed it. Its foundation is extremely stable, and the ancient Roman formula for concrete that allows it to seal cracks over time helps explain why it has lasted for so long.
Our faith in God is not built on a shaky foundation. Paul specifically warned against allowing our faith to “stand in the wisdom of men.” There is value in seeking godly counsel, and Scripture repeatedly encourages us to do so. But no human counselor has perfect wisdom, and there will be times when no one can tell us with certainty what lies ahead or exactly what we should do. Ultimately, our confidence must rest in God. We have His certain promises given in His Word and guaranteed by the life, death, and resurrection of His Son. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Because our faith rests in God rather than ourselves or the wisdom of others, we can move forward in obedience even when we cannot see every outcome. Our faith can be strong, not because we are strong, but because He is strong. We are not ultimately depending on our resources, intellect, skill, or understanding, but on the unchanging and unfailing faithfulness of God. He is the foundation from the beginning, and He will faithfully guide us as we trust and obey Him. Our faith stands firm in the power of Almighty God.
