Building on the Rock

Off the coast of Plymouth England over 200 years ago, a lighthouse was built to warn ships of the dangerous reefs. The architect, a man by the name of Winstanley, was so convinced of the strength of his lighthouse that he had these words carved on the cornerstone: "Blow, O Ye Winds! Rise, O Ocean! Break Forth, Ye Elements, and Try My Work!" Less than three years later the winds did blow, the ocean did rise, and the elements did break forth to try Winstanley’s work. The lighthouse, Winstanley, and others who were making repairs on the facility were swept away.

Years later John Smeaton, an elderly engineer, rebuilt the lighthouse. He found a new site and dug deep to the solid rock. A sincere Christian, the new cornerstone read: “Except the Lord Build the House, They Labor in Vain that Build It.” For over 90 years that lighthouse has stood every test – it was founded on rock!