November 17, 2022

HOW DEEP ARE OUR ROOTS?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.

James 5:10-11 NLT

---

TODAY’S THOUGHT

James revisits a major theme in his letter—suffering produces perfection. He opened his letter telling us to rejoice when we encounter problems because each problem works perseverance and then perfection in our lives. Now he refers to the prophets and Job in the Old Testament as examples of those who endured difficulty and yet were able to be blessed and grow through the difficulties. I read of a biosphere experiment in the 1990s. Scientists decided to create a perfect environment to grow plants, grass, and trees. Everything grew great until the trees hit a certain height. At that certain height the trees would simply fall over. At first it was a mystery, but then they discovered the problem. The trees lacked sufficient roots to maintain their height. Because the environment was perfect in the biosphere there was not wind. Without wind pushing on the trees as they grew, they never developed deep roots. Once they reached a certain height, they simply fell over because of a lack of a deep root system. God knows we are like the trees in the biosphere. The difficulties of life are what develops our roots. Without struggles and difficulties we don’t really dig into the grace and mercy of God. We tend to become lazy and complacent without problems. Problems force us to dig into God’s Word and spend time in His presence. That is the process of digging roots. The deeper our roots the higher we can go. Our height will always be limited by our roots. How deep are your roots?

---

TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit today I ask for Your help in growing some deep roots. Help me to know You better today. Help me to know Your Word and ways.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”