Today is Day 6 in the 12 Day Journey to Transformation!
Today we will explore the importance of having “deep roots.”
The Prophet Isaiah foretold of a remnant people whose lives would bear much fruit resulting in glory being given to the Lord. “And the remnant that has escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward” (2 Kings 19:30).
Jesus told us that His Father in Heaven chose and appointed us to bear an abundance of lasting fruit for His glory. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain…” (John 15:16 NKJV). Moreover, the presence of fruit in our lives is the proof that we are true children of God and Jesus’ disciples. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NAS).
In the New Testament, this fruit is designated the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) as well as the fruit of righteousness (James 3:18). Fruit is simply a manifestation and expression of the life that is in the tree. As Christians, it is imperative that we understand the very nature of God is in us. Peter says we have become “…partakers of the divine nature…(2 Peter 1:4). As a result, we have not only the responsibility, but also the capability to manifest the life of Christ to our world! “Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit…(Matthew 7:17).
In the natural, the secret to ensuring a harvest of rich luxuriant fruitful is the health and vitality of the root system. This is also true as it relates to the Christian walk. “…And if the root is holy, so are the branches” (Romans 11:16). We must have healthy roots that are planted firmly in Christ if we are to display the fruit of the Spirit to our world. There are two specific things that can hinder a harvest of fruit that we need to be aware of:
Shallow Roots:
In Isaiah 61:3 the Christian life is compared to the growth and development of a tree, “…that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Beloved, we have been called to be oaks of righteousness, not tumble weeds. God wants us to be established and rooted in Him so that we will manifest an abundance of fruit for His glory even in the most difficult and dry seasons of life.
Rest assured that if your roots reach deep you will bear fruit even in the most adverse circumstances and condition in life. The iron-clad promise of the Lord is, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8 New Living Translation).
A tree has what is known as a “tap-root.” When a lengthy drought is experienced and the water in the ground dissipates, that root tirelessly tunnels through the ground deeper and deeper until it locates water. We are in a season right now where the hot desert winds of adversity and opposition are blowing fiercely. The only way we are going to prevail is by extending our roots deeper drawing from the cool, subterranean waters of life that flow from beneath the throne of God. It is not enough to merely resist the devil; we must first be submitted to God (See James 4:7).
Regardless of how close you have been to the Lord, the call in this hour is to go deeper still! As you do you will experience a remarkable renewing. “…Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit” (Jeremiah 17:8).
PRAYER FOR POWER
Lord God, I thank you that I am rooted and grounded in your love. Help me to walk in and experience the power of deep roots so that I may bear much fruit for your glory! Amen.
DAY 6 CHALLENGE:
Read John 15
