ROOTED AND GROUNDED

Spring time in Juneau is here!   It is so refreshing to see the leaves appearing on the deciduous trees once again…   Yesterday, Deenie and I were cleaning out the flower beds while enjoying conversation and the warmth of the sun.   There seems to be something therapeutic about digging around in the soil on a beautiful day.   I noticed, as usual, our two Japanese Maples in front of our house are slow in growing their leaves.   However when they fully blossom they are remarkably beautiful.

Do you ever find yourself getting frustrated feeling like you are slow to blossom?   Where is that glorious fruitful season you have been promised by the Word of the Lord?    Have you found yourself impatiently wondering, Lord, how long do I have to wait to see the promises fulfilled?

I encourage you today to stay on track and refuse to give up, because you are probably very close to your fruitful season.   Remember the bigger the tree, the greater the need for that tree to send its roots down deep into the earth to get a firm footing and to draw sufficient nourishment.   It takes time for the tree to be rooted and grounded in order to withstand the wind, weather and all the other challenges that come with our seasons.

Paul gives a horticultural analogy in Col. 2:7 where he states:  “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”   Note the words, “…then your faith will grow strong in the truth…”   Let’s face it, growing strong seems to take too long.  
Stay thankful even when it appears not much is happening; we are not able to view what is transpiring underground undetectable to our line of sight.   In truth we should be thanking God that things have not happened faster in our lives.   We have abundant testimonies in our society of people who have achieved great success only to find out  they did not have the foundation of character to maintain that success.   You might have heard the saying:  “Charisma without character is catastrophe.”
Take this time to come into greater alignment with God’s Word in your personal life, your thinking, your behavior, your relationships and your finances.   Trust God and stay thankful and even the slow time will prove to be a very productive season.
Heb. 6:12 “that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”