The planting and rooting

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1. A healthy forest is the top priority for all foresters.

Reforestation is continuously being carried out. New tree plantings are being established. Their growth is important. They are meant to become healthy, strong trees. The growth depends on regular water supply, oxygen, and air to absorb nutrients.


2. Planting of a spiritual nature

This is not about soil that receives the seed, but about the heart of man. God's living and eternal word is the seed that brings forth a new imperishable one.

Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;  1. Peter 1:23 (ESV)

One experience makes this clear. In the city of Philippi, Paul and Silas were in prison, their feet in a wooden block. Both prayed at midnight and praised God with songs. Suddenly, the earth shook, the doors flew open, and the chains of the prisoners fell off. 

The jailer wanted to take his own life. Paul shouted loudly: Don’t do that! 'We are all here.' Then the jailer asked: Sirs, what must I do to be saved? He realized that he was lost. Paul and Silas said: Believe in the Lord Jesus, then you and your whole household will be saved.

They proclaimed to him and everyone in his household the saving message of God. God loves all people; He sent His Son Jesus, who died on the cross for everyone.

Every person who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of their sins, accepts Jesus into their heart, and then becomes a child of God. 

All have accepted God's message: Everyone who listened was baptized. The prison warden rejoiced with all who lived with him that they had come to faith in God. According to Acts 16:25-34.


3. The Rooting

Comparison from nature: When a seed germinates, it forms a root. This anchors the young tree in the soil. From this root, lateral roots develop, which branch out. This creates a dense network that penetrates the soil. The function of rooting: It protects the tree and provides it with water and minerals.

4. Spiritual Rooting

Paul gives a clear hint: Just as a tree should remain firmly rooted in the ground, so you should remain firmly rooted in Christ. Hold fast to the faith that was taught to you. After Colossians 2:7. 

After the living seed, God's word, has been received in the heart of a person, the rooting begins. This process requires: minerals, oxygen, as well as solid elements such as:

• God's Word. God has given us His Word to teach us the truth and to guide us through life. The Bible is not an option, it is a necessity if we want to be rooted in God. (Billy Graham). It shows us the truth about God, about ourselves, and about the future. The Bible is like a constant rain that nourishes the roots of faith with water. The truths of the Bible feed our growing roots with principles by which we are to live. God's Word is an important source of encouragement. Countless promises regarding His love, presence, help, and peace in times of turmoil.
  
  
  
  
  

• The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a person and part of the Trinity: God the Father - and Jesus God's Son and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us the assurance of our salvation. Helps us to recognize God's will and understand God's word.
  
  When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 (ESV)
  
  The Holy Spirit is urgently needed for our Christian life. He is a teacher and helper for us in all situations of life.
  
  
• The prayer. It is one of the greatest privileges of the children of God - or as followers of Christ. Prayer is talking to God. A place where one meets for a sincere conversation. David encourages us with the words:
  
  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8 (ESV)
  
  
  
  
  

The goal is healthy growth: After the roots have been planted in the fertile soil of truth, we should become stronger. Through God's word as daily nourishment. The Holy Spirit as helper and strength. Prayer as a breath for the soul. Our roots will go deeper and deeper, so that we can withstand the storms of life. Just like a tree that is planted by the water.

Author: Edith Waechter
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