Deep Roots and Flexibility

I was passing by a tree in my neighborhood recently, which had blown down in a windstorm.

You know, one of those once-a-year storms that comes out of nowhere with some serious velocity.

This tree looked like it had been around a while. Not a California redwood by any stretch, but no sapling either. Old enough to have weathered dozens of years and hundreds of storms would be my estimate.

But not on this particular day. On this particular day, at this particular moment, the wind was too much for it and it toppled, exposing its root bundle and now covering a horizontal span that used to run vertical.

In a heavy storm, there’s only two things that will keep a tree grounded: flexibility and a strong root system.

Palm trees don’t have deep roots, but they’re as flexible as a rubber band. It’s not uncommon to see them bent completely over during a hurricane. Oak trees are not overly flexible but they have amazing root systems. Easily strong enough to pry up the cement in your sidewalk in their search for water and depth.

What about you? When storms come your way, you will need both flexibility and strong roots, and you’ll need wisdom to know which is needed.

When your pride is being tested, or when your obedience is required, yield. Bend. Let God be God and lay down your agenda. You are no more likely to hold back the tide with a push broom than you are to remain standing when God wants you on your knees.

Proverbs 29:1 – A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. (NIV)

And when you’re being asked to lie, cheat, dishonor God or yourself, or compromise your devotion to Him, rely on your roots.

Col. 2:7 – Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (NLT)

I heard somebody smart once say “Trials don’t create character – they reveal character.” What that means is that the storm isn’t where your character is formed – it’s where your character is tested and revealed. Your character is formed when the skies are clear and the weather is fair.

So today make a decision to put down some roots. Make it your business to be satisfied in Him above all other things.

Just because you’ve weathered dozens of years and hundreds of storms doesn’t guarantee you success when the hurricanes come. That only comes from deep roots, the ability to yield and the wisdom to know which is called for.

Hasta.