“Deep Roots” by Kirk Hunt

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:45 KJV)

A summer storm recently swept through this part of the Sonoran desert. To my surprise, a significant number of trees were victims of the intense rains and fierce winds. Broken branches could be expected, but a large number of trees were completely uprooted during the squall.

In almost every case, fallen trees were irrigated. Easy water, close to the surface, interfered with their normal development. The trees didn't have to work or struggle to establish themselves.

Palo Verde, Mesquites and Desert Oaks are known for their deep roots. The trees reach far into the soil, searching for the aquifer, a steady source of water. Deep roots protect the tree against long drought and sudden flood.

The root length determines the fate of the trees. The deep rooted trees survived the storm and will survive a drought. The shallow rooted trees are now firewood.

Prayer, fasting and Bible study are how Christians grow roots. We are dependent on the strong and steady presence of the Holy Spirit to carry us through the floods and droughts of our lives. The spiritual work you do, or don't do, will determine your ability to stand through what comes.

Your struggles teach you to deepen your relationship, and dependence, on God. Deepen your roots in the Holy Spirit. Those roots will sustain you, come what may.

Think: The deeper my roots, the stronger I stand.

Pray: “Lord, help me establish my roots in You.”

Copyright © July 2007, Kirk Hunt