Meet Randall Miller

Strong. Stable. Rock solid. These are words that we hope describe the foundations of our houses. Why? Because we want these structures to be able to stand even in the midst of storms. What about the foundations of our lives? Can we say that our lives are built upon a faith that is strong enough to help us endure the fiercest storms? 

One of the most difficult times in my life took place several weeks before my high school graduation. I had just finished baseball practice when I received the news that my younger sister was involved in a horse riding accident. After arriving at the hospital, my parents and I were told that my sister had sustained severe brain damage. We hit our knees and prayed along with the friends and family members crowded in the hospital hallways. While we knew that God could heal her, He did not. Within a few days, my sister slowly passed away. 

Suddenly, my academic records, athletic accolades, and career plans seemed worthless. The sobering truth of my sister’s death compelled me to rely on the one thing I knew was eternal: my faith in Jesus. I found peace after my sister’s death because I knew she was in heaven. She had asked God to forgive her sins, and she believed that Jesus was the perfect Son of God who bore God’s wrath against sin on the cross and showed God’s power over sin in His resurrection from the dead. Even at 11 years old, my sister lived her life based upon her faith in Jesus.   

Looking back at this time in my life, I am reminded that this world is temporary and that many of the goals I am tempted to pursue lack eternal value. Money is not transferable after death. Power and influence will fade away. Trophies and accolades will gather dust. Only Jesus remains when our time on the earth expires. Let’s build our lives upon Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith.