“Some [seed] fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root” (Matthew 13:5-6)
“The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” (Matthew 13:20-21)
We love to enjoy the wonderful privileges that come from being a Christian. Our sins are forgiven! We have eternal life! We have wonderful Christian friends! God is answering so many prayers! We have such peace and joy!
But wait a minute. We still have struggles. Unanswered prayers. Unhealed relationships. Bad stuff happens. Job loss. Sickness. Mockery and ridicule from family members who do not believe.
Our temptation is us to withdraw — from the Lord, from fellowship, from wanting to participate in what he is doing in his Kingdom. We fall away from craving more of him in our lives. In the face of the crappy stuff that is still going on, that threaten to dry out our love for the Lord, we need deepening roots……
The apostle Paul says: “but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3b)
This deepening process is not easy and quick. I have known the Lord for decades and I still need deeper roots. I thank God for his love which is so patient with us !
Jeremiah tells us the wonderful way that being rooted allows us to survive heat and drought in our lives:
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Where are you feeling the heat ? May your confidence be in the Lord who promises to give you fruit even during a time of drought.
Kenny B's World 