Mindy Lee Hopman

Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25 (NASB)

We took the same hike years ago, when God was not the center of either of our lives.

We only knew one thing – we wanted to start a life together.

Eighteen years ago he traveled with a bottle of champagne, two champagne glasses, and a diamond ring in his backpack.  This year he traveled with a family picnic lunch.

As we hiked the miles uphill and through the rock scramble, it was obvious that we are not in the same shape as we were almost twenty years ago, especially after this past busy, busy year.

We were determined to show our children the rock.  We wanted them to see the place it all began.

So we climbed and climbed, and they loved every minute of the challenging hike.

We turned many corners with the hope that we were almost there, until we found the spot.

The rock where he took the tiny rock out of his pocket and slipped it onto my finger.
The rock where our commitment of forever together began over 18 years ago.

And we didn’t even know…

We didn’t know how wonderfully hard, yet beautifully messy marriage would be.
We didn’t know how many sacrifices we would each have to make in order to become one.
We didn’t know how deep love grows over time, but you have to give it time.

When he proposed, God was not a part of our lives, although He was at work in our hearts.

We had just finished college and we were attending church together with my mom and step-father.  The Pastor of the church agreed to do marriage counseling with us.  Pastor Robby looked right at us and said, “How do you plan on raising your children?” We both answered, “As Christians, of course.” He looked at us and said, “Do you know what that means?”

Because when you get married, life is not about only you anymore. Life is about your spouse and the family you will create together as one.

Pastor Robby explained how Jesus was with God in the beginning, but returned to this world through His Jewish parents to show people how to live with mercy, love, and in peace.  Jesus was the final sacrifice – once and for all.  His blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.  When we believe in Him, God gives us the power of the Holy Spirit.  The gift of the Holy Spirit is a gift of grace – given to those who believe, not based on works.

God wants to be a part of our lives.  He wants to be one with us.

That’s when we realized, God was bringing us in to stand on the Rock.

Soon after we got married, we decided to build our marriage on the Rock.  It’s a choice we all have the opportunity to make.

A marriage built on Christ is not easier, but it is forgiving.  Christ forgave me, so I can forgive others.
A marriage built on Christ is not perfect, but when it’s stretched and torn it can be mended. Christ’s blood covers all sins.
A marriage built on Christ is not popular in the world’s eyes, but it withstands the storms and trials that will inevitably come throughout the years.

And as I look back I am grateful because I realize… the past 18 years could have been so different.

but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15 (NASB)

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (NASB)

Basking in His Light

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