A CITY WITHOUT FOUNDATION: FAITH TO SAY NO
Hebrews 11:10 (KJV) says, “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
This verse speaks about Abraham’s faith and vision. Abraham was not only focused on temporary success. He was looking for something greater, a city built by God Himself. This city had true foundations. It was eternal, secure, and established by God.
As we study the importance of foundations, we must remember that there is only one true spiritual foundation for believers: Christ. Without Him, no matter how successful something appears, it is unstable.
Now, in the book of Hebrews, we learn something important from our father Abraham. The Bible says: “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” — Hebrews 11:9–10
In verse 9, it shows that Abraham made a decision not to build or invest permanently in the land of Canaan. Though he was a very rich man, he lived in tents. His children, Isaac and Jacob, also followed the same pattern. The reason is mentioned in the next verse: “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
Now, we usually think faith means that because you have God, you can go anywhere and do anything. But in the book of Hebrews, Abraham’s faith was not only shown in what he did, but also in what he chose not to do. His refusal to build in that land was considered an act of faith.
I want you to read this carefully: “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles…” Abraham did not say, “I have God, so I can do anything here.” He was conscious of spiritual principles. Abraham’s faith was shown in patience, wisdom, and obedience. Sometimes faith means saying no. Sometimes faith means waiting for God’s timing.
Abraham understood spiritual principles. He knew that building in the wrong place or at the wrong time could lead to loss. The Amorites and Jebusites built strong cities in Canaan, but Abraham did not follow their pattern because his foundation was not in earthly systems, it was in God’s promise.
Today, this principle still matters. Ask yourself: Does the business you are building have the right foundation? Does your partnership align with godly principles? Are the people you trust rooted in Christ?Many investments fail not because the idea was bad, but because the foundation was wrong.
Abraham teaches us to seek God’s guidance before major decisions. Not every opportunity is your assignment. Not every profitable path is God’s will for you.
Look for a place, partnership, or opportunity that has Christ as its foundation. Build where God leads. Invest where His blessing rests.
Prayer: Lord, guide my decisions and help me build only on Christ.
← Back to All Posts
Share this word ■