FIRM Roots
Matthew 13:21, NASB, “…yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.”
So many are having difficulty in the times we live in; what was thought to be stable isn’t in today’s world. Worlds are being shaken, but GOD’S WORD will always STAND STRONG. You can have FIRM roots and not be overtaken by circumstances.
Being planted is SO key to having a FIRM root. But you ask, what does it mean to be planted? If a tree isn’t planted deep enough into the ground, it will not make it, it will die in the scorching heat and storms will come and blow it away. The Bible tells us to be “planted in the house of God.” Psalm 92:12-14, “The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, They will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green…” That is where you grow and flourish. Many believe being planted in the house means the Kingdom of God, but it’s MORE than that!
Where is your “tribe”? Where are those that will encourage you, speak into your life when the road gets rocky, support you in prayer, and help you STAY planted? Many years ago, I heard a VERY CLEAR CUT word from God one Sunday morning, (right in the middle of worship) that held us through many changes in our lives, our ministry, our church. He said, “The winds of change are beginning to blow, stay PLANTED, don’t uproot! Be ready to bend and flex!” While my eyes were closed and I was hearing this word, I SAW a palm tree bending and flexing in a HUGE wind storm! You have to understand, I’m not a “bend and flex” kind of person by nature, so this was a MAJOR key to what was ahead! God will prepare us for what’s ahead, and for changes that are coming, if we are listening. We don’t always know what the fullness of that word means at the moment. But write them down, date them and watch God bring it to pass as you keep it before you in prayer!
When you are in the middle of a storm; marriage issues, children in rebellion, addiction problems, the list goes on…your pastors and church family will be there for you, if you let them. You could keep attending every Sunday and just walk in and out the back door and NOT be a part. But let me be real, you will NOT grow and flourish that way. Your children will NOT grow and flourish either. It starts from the top. Parents lead their children by example. Growing and flourishing takes place when you plant, plug in, and serve by reaching out to help others as God leads. Your roots will GROW thick, strong and sturdy and will hold you when the winds blow! A FIRM root will KEEP you planted, you will flourish, yield FRUIT, be FULL of sap, and very green! That is the description of a VERY healthy tree! You will be so amazed by the CHANGES you will see in you, your kids and the family! It’s FAR REACHING!