How Deep Are My Roots?

Years ago a storm blew through Harwood, Texas. I believe it may have been 1993, but don't quote me on that. The day before, two identical peach trees stood in the yard of Clint and Julie Fairchild; neighbors of mine to the West. I remember when the Fairchilds planted those two trees several years earlier, and now, in May of that year, they both were laden with fruit. Both were mature and beautiful trees.

No one may have ever known how the two trees differed if the storm had not come to town that year. The day after the winds howled and the rains came down in sideways sheets, only one of the trees was standing. The other was laying on its side, uprooted and dying. One survived the storm; the other did not. What was the difference? The roots.

A tree with roots sunk deep into the earth is more likely to withstand the storms that rage. A tree with shallow roots is more likely to topple in the wind... And what good is a dead tree? What fruit does it offer next season? What does it matter that last year it was beautiful if now, and tomorrow and forever from now it will bear no fruit? Even if the toppled tree could have been salvaged: severely pruned and root cut, replanted and nourished for years to come; it would, at best, be many, many years until it could again bear fruit, if it ever could again.

How much are we like trees. We must ask ourselves how deep are our roots? When someone we trusted lies to us, when we lose our jobs, when we feel let down by those whom we had counted as friends, when we thirst and there is no one who gives us drink, when we hunger and no friend gives us meat, when we are in prison and no one comes to visit... when the storm comes to our town, will we stand or fall?

There is only one sure way to remain safely rooted when the storms of life blow. When no one can support your wavering limbs; when there is no strength in your trunk to withstand the gale upon you-- He who planted the trees and caused them to grow; He who calms the wind and causes the waters to still; He who knows your sorrows and pain-- only He can help you survive the storms.

When you are deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you will remain connected to the earth that gives you life. You will remain standing to bear fruit in the season thereof and will continue to give strength, nourishment and shelter to those who depend upon you for strength. As you are rooted in Christ, so others may find strength in you. The goodness and strength they find in you is a reflection of Him who is the author of your strength and goodness.

Remain deeply rooted in Christ so as to be found standing at the last day, after the storm has passed.