2 Kings 19:30-31
Isaiah:37:31-32

God says the remnant of Israel will, ”take root downward and bear fruit upward.” What a wonderful promise.

Have you observed a tree sprout? Watched it grow little by little and then have a growth spurt? One day it’s 20” high…you look again and there stands a tree.

Just as remarkable is the root system. Most trees start sending roots deep into the earth. Have you tried to pull up a sapling? Even a short little thing can be exhausting to pull out. You tug and pull. Stop and rest. Tug and pull again. You end up getting a shovel and digging it out. The roots have gone deep already. That sapling is not coming out without a fight.

I see my faith like that sapling. It was just a seed. Father God watered it with His Word. It was hidden away, safe in the soil of my heart. That faith took root downward, and it began to grow. Life brought lots of “storms”. These “storms” threatened to pull that faith out of my heart. Honestly, there have been times I thought the “storms” would win.

In nature, a good root system is essential for trees. If roots run along the top of the ground, they can be pulled out easily. Strong winds or a fierce storm can topple the tree. A shallow root system can make the tree more susceptible to drought and disease. The plant is weaker with a shallow root system.

We are like that. If our faith is shallow, we are weaker…more easily threatened…

The scripture said,” take root downward”…bear fruit upward”. Perhaps to bear fruit…to produce a good crop that strong root system is important? If our “root system” is weak or sickly would we produce poor fruit? No fruit?

Watching trees grow…become strong…send roots deep into the soil…It is my object lesson. I can grasp the concept that strong roots of faith will secure me. That Father God can bring forth fruit that is good fruit.

My part is to have faith…Father God does the rest.