Ruffled but Not Uprooted

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. —Colossians 2:7, NLT

Last winter, as I drove through my neighborhood, I noticed many of the trees had lost their leaves. This was not the first time I had noticed it; however, for some unknown reason, I was now intrigued as to why this happened. After searching the internet, I learned the main reason was to conserve energy for survival during the cold, dry winter temperatures. Instead of expending energy to protect their fragile leaves, trees shed those leaves in order to survive the season. Wow! I thought. Instead of perishing during that trying time, trees choose to let go of the very thing that gives them beauty! After all, what is a tree without leaves? Are you going through a difficult time right now? Are you experiencing a cold and frigid season in which you are losing “leaves”? The very things you thought gave you beauty, meaning, and purpose in life? Have you lost your job, property, possessions, a close relationship, a loved one, or your health? Sometimes, sisters, God allows us to lose our “leaves” to give us a better understanding of the things that really matter. Sometimes He permits us to go through difficulties to give us renewed purpose and vision that help to build our character—a character we will take with us when He returns to bring us to our heavenly home. James admonishes us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2–4, NIV). Although you may be facing a difficult situation, I encourage you to stay rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ.

Through a life of prayer and Bible study, discover that He is our true Source of strength, energy, comfort, and everything we need to survive.

He has the ability to restore everything we have lost and give us more—so much more. He will help us bloom and flourish in this life and the life to come.

Yes, stay grounded and rooted in Christ.

Be blessed!

Sacha Clarke