Rooted and Grounded
Carlyn Haas - God’s Great Outdoors
Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith- that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
We live in the woods and are blessed to be surrounded by numerous trees, including Oaks. During the Fall, it is common to see and hear acorns falling to the pavement on a morning walk, or sound like popcorn pelting the roof as we’re lying in bed at night.
A significant number of fallen acorns will be consumed by various wildlife, including squirrels, birds and deer. Other acorns land and never take root. However, if conditions are favorable, a portion of the acorns that drop from the mighty Oaks fall into suitable conditions, germinate, take root, and flourish.
The same can be said about our faith and walk with Christ Jesus. Does our faith get consumed by worries, the culture, self-focus, or daily insignificant distractions, like the wildlife gobbling up the acorns? Or are we introduced to Jesus, know who He is, maybe even believe in Him, but the condition of our heart makes us rebellious and resistant to communing with Him in worship, abiding in prayer, or reading His Word, like the acorn that lands and never takes root? There is a third choice. Is our heart condition suitable and soft, that we welcome Jesus in so that His Word takes root? Do we have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us, guiding us, as we love and serve Christ and others, so we can flourish?
The tiny acorn sprout eventually grows into a mighty Oak that can produce up to 10 thousand acorns in a mast year! This magnificent tree endures throughout the changing seasons, weathers the drastic elements, and completely relies on God to provide and meet all its needs. The result? Over time, the root has taken hold, the sprout has strengthened, and reliance continues; until one day, the Oak tree is standing tall, reaching for the light, providing shade for the weary, beauty for those seeking, and fruit that produces necessary food and multitudes of new life for years to come!
Let’s pray that our hearts are faith-filled, suitable soil. Let’s also pray that God’s Word germinates, we stand tall in Him, we are strengthened by His Word, we completely rely on Him alone, we provide rest for the weary and encouragement for the down-trodden, we are constantly reaching for His Light, we are instruments that God uses to produce new life in Him, and we are rooted and grounded in Christ and His love. Rooted and grounded like the little acorn.
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