I have always been fascinated with the Joshua Tree, not only because of its biblical name and symbolism but also because of its root system. This tree has a top-heavy branch system, but also has what has been described as a “deep and extensive” root system, with roots possibly reaching up to 36 ft away.
That is massive.
It is also an awesome visual of how Christ loves us. Deep and Extensive. He establishes us through every trial we face. He holds us up through those trials and roots us deeply in His strength.
He is my foundation, my “dirt and clay”. It is up to me how deep I want my roots to grow. It is up to me how far I want them to reach. It is up to me how tight I want to hold onto His promises.
Because He is holding onto me for dear life.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” -Ephesians 3:16-18
He has already provided all of the fertile soil I need.
He has already provided all of the strength I need.
He has already provided all of the courage I need.
He has already provided all of the resources I need to face whatever earthquakes this life has to throw at me.
All I have to do is root myself in His faithfulness, bloom where I have been planted and know that HE IS NOT SHAKEN..
Ever so thankful that He is our foundation – anything else can’t even compare. My prayer is for those who do not know Him, for their eyes to be opened and their hearts to be softened to His gift of grace.
.-= ~Grace & Peace´s last blog ..Exercising the Shield of Faith =-.
So true! I love 2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”
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Heather,
I needed to hear this today, like I need to drink water. My heavy heart has been lightened.
Thank you,
Sherry
Profound! It truly is up to us to grow in Christ. He is always there, & will never leave us. The Joshua Tree is a beautiful reminder of just that. Thank you for the reminder
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Mini Cheesecake {What’s For Dinner Thursday} =-.
Hi Heather, I am a long-time reader, occasional poster and I have a kind of random question for you that the Phil Stacey song brought up for me again. I was wondering if you think that, when a person gets to heaven, they will come to understand the purposes of their sufferings on earth? I believe that ultimately, all of our suffering glorifies God (or CAN) and that is certainly answer enough, but I’ve often wondered if we will know the OTHER reasons. (The unknown ways God has used it in other people’s lives, etc.) Or maybe our earthly sufferings will remain a mystery, and they won’t matter anymore in heaven? OR maybe we won’t remember them in heaven?
Anyways, just curious what your thoughts on this are!
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Hi Heather,
As awesome post!
Indeed if there is one thing that I have learned over the last five years, is that He has not wasted one thing that I have gone through and that He has used it for His glory.
And as you shared, All we have to do is root ourselves in His faithfulness, bloom where we have been planted and know that HE IS NOT SHAKEN.
Thank you for sharing, I always come away strengthen in my walk with the Lord!
Writing for the King,
Paul
The Mayor
.-= Paul Dawn´s last blog ..Rekindle! =-.