(Psalm 1:3)
God wants His children to grow up and be like trees planted by rivers of water. Have you ever noticed that a tree never moves? We have beautiful trees in our yard, but I have never driven home and found that one of those trees had moved to my neighbor’s yard because it did not like where it was planted.
Yet, in the Body of Christ—and even on church staffs—the first time someone is offended, he pulls up his roots and moves somewhere else. Then he wonders why there is no fruit in his life.
If a tree is continually uprooted and replanted, eventually the roots will die. Sadly, many Christians have experienced this. Because things don’t go exactly like they think they should, they constantly jump from one church to another. They refuse to submit to authority, or they feel they have special gifts for the church, which the pastor is not willing to recognize.
That kind of attitude keeps a person from fulfilling the divine, heaven-ordained call that God has placed on his life. We must judge ourselves and be willing to die to our own purposes and dreams to let God’s will be done, no matter the personal cost.
Make that commitment today, then dig deep.
Can you relate to the tree that is constantly being uprooted, or are you allowing your roots to go deep and strong where God has planted you? Let the following verses encourage you to remain steadfast:
- “And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love” (Eph. 3:17 TLB).
- “A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved” (Prov. 12:3).
- “Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell…upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away” (Matt. 13:3–6).
- “The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit” (Prov. 12:12).
Heavenly Father, let it never be said of me that my walk with You is shallow with no lasting fruit. As I am faithful to follow You and to remain steadfast in the place You’ve called me to be, may my roots go deep into the soil of Your Kingdom. I want to grow strong, stately, and steadfast as a tree planted by the water. I pray that I will bear abundant fruit that will feed many and that I may provide shade and shelter as well. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.