How deep are the roots of your faith? Have they every been tested?
If you’re like me, you don’t really want to have to find out. But, we don’t always get the pleasure of choosing our challenges, do we?
I bet like me, you too have had more than your fair share of obstacles. I wonder if you have ever felt, “I’m hanging on by a thread.” Or, maybe even voiced aloud, “God, what do You want from me, I’m really trying here! Help!”
If you’re there now, I want to encourage you.
He is there.
He sees you.
He is acting, even if you can’t see it yet.
Well before we find our faith tested, there were probably seeds planted. If you were blessed to be taken to church as a child, or to visit vacation Bible School, you probably remember some of the children’s Bible stories.
Who knew those stories could lay a foundation of faith?
When we recall those stories, and their promises, and when we pray to God, sharing our heart with Him, we are slowly developing that faith which provides our foundation for doing life successfully in this broken world.
Jeremiah 17:8 encourages us to keep the faith, “They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (NIV)
One thing that strikes me about this passage is the assumption of challenges arising in the future. And the attitude the believer can take, to choose to trust God, no matter what.
Scorching heat?
Drought?
No matter. This tree is still flourishing, still bearing fruit.
Even in challenges, with the strong roots of faith, we can still grow, and still bear good fruit.
It isn’t just about getting through the day, it’s doing the day faithfully. It’s trusting God with each hour, whatever that time brings. Because when our faith roots run deep, even in a drought, those roots will supply us with all we need to flourish during that season.
I haven’t mastered this yet. But I’m growing and doing it a bit better than last year, than a decade ago and better than I did as a college student.
If you’re in a scorcher season or a drought today, God wants to carry you through even this. He will help when we ask Him. Let’s ask Him together, for just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know. You know the burdens on my heart, the challenges I face, and the deadlines that loom. Please Lord, give me the faith I need to journey through each moment. I know You don’t waste a thing. Please Lord, use even this, to draw me closer to You, to build an even stronger faith. Thank You Lord for Your promise in Romans 8:28- that You will bring good from all things. In Jesus’s name, Amen.