Building In A Parched Place

"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste."  - Isaiah 28:16, KJV

"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold , I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded."  - 1 Peter 2:6, KJV

The first scripture was written in the book of the prophet Isaiah.  The second one was re-quoted in the New Testament.  One written in Hebrew and the other written in Greek.  So, I got my Hebrew and Greek Lexicons pulled up on the computer and studied the verse out a little bit.  Before I give my "interpretation" of them, I did find it very interesting that the word "Zion or Sion" means "a parched place".  We have all been there.  In a place in our lives where we felt either spiritually or emotionally parched.  Or maybe even a time that the circumstances surrounding us at that time left us feeling like we were in the desert with no relief in sight.  But, God is able to take that parched place and make it a useful place.

Both verses start out talking about God laying a foundation stone in Zion.  Both verse say 'behold" or stop and see what I am doing.  He is saying:  I am laying a cornerstone in your parched place.  This cornerstone which has been tested, it is firm and strong, and it is valuable and prized, it will make a great starting point to lay a good foundation.  And, the one who understands and trusts that this will work.  That this cornerstone will provide a good foundation.  They will not be dishonored or disgraced.  And, they will not be led to make hasty or shaky decisions. 

Sometimes we are faced with parched circumstances.  We look around and it seems that every where we look it is parched.  We feel dehydrated spiritually and/or emotionally.  It seems that we are completely drained of the energy to go on.  Like being in a dry desert, we look for the whys and the way to fix things or the way out of this parched place.  But, if we could just stop long enough to see that God wants to use this parched place and show you that He can make it a useful, learning place.  A place to start with a good foundation and build you up into the kind of "temple" He wants you to be.  A "temple" filled with His spirit, glory and power.  ♥