Jesus says this “refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”
Roots get their nourishment and water from deep within the ground. I wonder if
we have all had a season when our roots were not deep enough, or maybe right now, there is a part of our lives that we know is firmly rooted in the Lord, but another part is currently on shallow ground.
Can we perhaps identify what rocks are hindering us from growing our roots deeper into God, so that when trouble comes, we run away? One rock that comes to mind is the stone of fear. How fear can quickly
make us forget the joy of God's word: fear of judgement, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of financial lack, fear of people. Sometimes our fear can make us forget our faith. How the word planted in the morning with joy withers up in the evening because of troubles.
First, we need to identify the rocky places in our lives, become aware of what has become a block, and give it to God, so that when problems come
or even persecution, we stand firm, embedded in his unwavering love.
I am reminded of John 15, when Jesus said, “I am the true vine; abide in me, and I will abide in you,” and that he is the vine and we are the branches. As long as we are connected to him, his living water will continue to flow through us.
Is there an
area of your heart that still has shallow soil?
Are you able to identify the rock that is blocking your roots from growing deeper?
Are there any troubles that make you fall away from God?
