“Now Faith, in the sense in which I am here using the word, is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.”
C. S. Lewis

“Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that believers would stake their lives on it a thousand times.”
Martin Luther

“Our dependence upon God ought to be so entire and absolute that we should never think it necessary, in any kind of distress, to have recourse to human consolations.”
A. W. Pink

Sturdy pillar, unmoved,
Bearing burdens bravely borne;
Storms may rage but You uphold
All whose lives to You are sworn.

During a visit to witness our daughter’s choir performance at the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, I was struck by the architectural genius of the flying buttresses supporting the structure. These angled supports brace against the lateral forces exerted by the cathedral’s tall stone walls and vaulted ceilings, preventing collapse. Tragically, during the devastating fire in 2019, the spire and most of the original roof were destroyed, and the upper walls were severely damaged. However, extensive damage to the interior was prevented by the cathedral’s vaulted stone ceiling, which largely contained the burning roof as it collapsed. The reason the stone ceiling survived was due to the underside of rib vaulting, whose outward thrust onto the walls is countered by the inward thrust of the flying buttresses. If the vaulting had collapsed, the walls could have collapsed into the nave. Though the cathedral itself held little spiritual meaning to me, contemplating its architectural buttresses led me to revelatory insight into how God establishes and strengthens His children. The image of an unyielding support became a metaphor for God’s unwavering presence in our lives.

The Architectural Inspiration
In a reading of 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV), “so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints,” I considered the word ‘establish’ and examined the Greek στηρίζω (stērízō), which occurs thirteen times in the Bible and means to set fast, i.e. (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm: —fix, establish, steadfastly set, strengthen; uphold, support; base, rest, build on. What struck me was the use of sterizo for buttress. The flying buttresses flanking the ancient church inspired contemplation on God’s role in reinforcing our faith. The Greek word “sterizo” portrays the Father as the bedrock stabilizing believers in His purposes. He steadies shifting foundations, fortifies feeble frameworks, and infuses His strength into earthly vessels. Psalm 145:14 (ESV) declares, “The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.”

The Promise to Establish Our Hearts
In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul shares an earnest prayer request: “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13, ESV). Paul’s petition indicates God alone possesses the power to set our feet upon the rock of sanctification. Though we stumble and slide on loose gravel, He provides the stability to stand firm. Paul acknowledged the inherent fragility of human nature. Despite good intentions, even devoted followers of Christ waver and falter. Tempests toss souls sailing sacred seas. In the roiling storms, we cry, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” (Matthew 8:23-25, ESV), and He extends His grasp. Psalm 28:7 (ESV) says, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to Him.” The Master Builder secures the scaffolding around our frame. He views the cracks in our composition, fills them with His love and grace, and binds up broken branches and buttresses structures on the verge of collapse.

The Source of Our Strength
Not only does the Father establish us, but He also infuses strength. Romans 16:25 (ESV) says: “Now to Him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages.” Here, the Father emerges as the source empowering us through the message of salvation. The solid truths of Scripture reinforce our spiritual backbone. As we absorb and apply the Word, our convictions crystallize. We recognize the unassailable veracity undergirding our beliefs. God desires His children to grow in inner fortitude and resilience. He provides the firm foundation enabling us to withstand torrents seeking to undermine faith. Isaiah 40:29-31 beautifully captures this truth: “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (ESV). Through the unwavering principles in His Word, the Father buttresses our belief against cultural currents eroding conviction.

The Guard Against Evil
In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul highlights how God’s faithfulness buttresses us against spiritual attacks: “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV). Believers encounter a relentless adversary intent on crippling faith. However, we take shelter in the Father. Psalm 18:2 (ESV) says, “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.” He fortifies faltering spirits assailed by arrows of accusation. As a buttress reinforces walls assailed by battle rams, God protects souls barraged by the devil’s schemes. He safeguards His children, providing impenetrable armor to withstand sinister strikes. Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV) exhorts, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

A Foundation of Love
What theological significance arises from considering God as a buttress? This architectural analogy highlights several facets of the Father’s nature:
Unyielding Love – The enduring buttresses of Notre Dame resist winds, rains, wars, and the wear of centuries. They remain testaments to determined design and durable materials. Similarly, the Father’s love withstands the ravages of time and trial. It cannot be toppled by outside forces or eroded from within. Believers stand secure in the grasp of the Almighty Maker, assured of His unfailing affection. Isaiah 54:10 says, “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but My steadfast love shall not depart from you, and My covenant of peace shall not be removed.”
Unbreakable Promises – A buttress provides stability through its strength and structure. Though outside influences impose pressure, the support remains intact. Comparably, the promises of God stand inviolable. Despite changing circumstances, His pledges remain valid. When doubts arise, we find refuge in the Father’s faithfulness. 1 Kings 8:56 affirms, “Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. Not one word has failed of all His good promise.”
Constant Presence – Architectural buttresses operate silently, yet they bear immense weight day after day. Unassuming, they provide constant support. Our Heavenly Father works similarly. His Spirit sustains us through unseen ways every moment. We may not always feel His touch, but He upholds us nonetheless. The Father never forsakes His children. As David proclaimed in Psalm 139:7- 10, “Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence?...Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.”
Guiding Hand – Buttresses provide support and direction for stone masons pilgrims traversing cathedral walls. The stabilizing structures guided workers safely around the sanctuary. Comparably, God’s wisdom illuminates the way for His children. He illuminates the path that leads to righteousness and redemption. As we yield to the Father’s leading, He steers us clear of hazards that could hamper the journey. The Lord promises in Isaiah 42:16, “And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them.”
Steadfast Through Suffering – A buttress withstands torrential storms that threaten structures. Grounded upon the earth, it braves lashing winds and pounding rains. Similarly, God remains a bastion of strength when trials unleash their fury. He provides refuge for souls battered by squalls of suffering. The Father sustains us through searing pain, anguished heartache, and howling despair. Though weeping endures through the night, joy comes in the morning. Our bedrock stands unshaken. As Lamentations 3:22-23 affirms, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”

As architectural supports secure physical buildings, our Heavenly Father buttresses His children. Let us build our lives upon the stability of His unfailing love. So, as we journey through the ups and downs of life, let us remember that our Heavenly Father stands ready to buttress us. When adversity strikes and shakes our footing, He provides an unyielding foundation to stand firm. God’s presence remains constant amidst the changing currents of culture that chip away at conviction. His unwavering support challenges us to build upon the bedrock of His Word, not shifting sand. During seasons of hardship and heartache, the Father’s everlasting arms uphold and sustain us. Dear reader, be encouraged. The storms of life cannot overpower the sturdy buttresses of God’s love and faithfulness. Build your life upon our unshakable Savior.