Built to Withstand

Last year, I had the privilege of meeting one of the most distinguished Armenian architects in the Diaspora. Ronald Altoon, a former National President of the American Institute of Architects, shared something that stayed with me. He spoke about why so many buildings in Gyumri collapsed during the devastating earthquake.

He explained that those buildings were designed in Moscow, where architects are primarily concerned with wind, not earthquakes. So they reinforced the tops of the buildings to withstand strong gusts. However, Armenia is situated in a major seismic zone. The threat wasn’t above, but beneath. Those buildings didn’t fall because they were weak at the top. They fell because they weren’t prepared at the foundation.

That insight resonated deeply with me, because it reflects the reality of life. How often do we focus all our energy on what’s visible? We put effort into our image, our careers, our achievements. We try to make everything look good on the outside. But when life shakes us, when difficulties hit, when trials come, what matters most is what’s underneath. It’s the foundation that determines whether we stand or fall.

In Isaiah 28:16, God says, “See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. One who trusts will not panic.” That cornerstone is Jesus Christ. And when your life is built on Him, you might be shaken, but you won’t collapse. The wind may howl, the ground may tremble, people may disappoint you, but the structure of your life will stand firm.

Maybe today you feel like life has been shaking. You’ve gone through loss, disappointment, and unexpected trouble. But take heart, your Architect, Almighty God, knows every challenge you’ll face. He’s already accounted for every storm, every burden, every weight. And He’s designed your foundation to hold steady. He’s built you to last.

So stand tall. Not because the storm has passed, but because your foundation is secure. You’re going to make it. You will not only survive this—you’ll come through it stronger, wiser, and more grounded than ever before. Because the One who designed you is the Lord Almighty. And He never makes a mistake.