A bigger hole

Thomas Fuller reminds us: "One that would have the fruit must climb the tree." I would say the one that would have the fruit must first have a good root! Without proper rooting, the tree may grow for a while, but the fruit will be lacking. The tree will not withstand the winds that actually challenge its footing.

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 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. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Fuller also reminds us it is possible to miss the mark simply by aiming too high or too low. Where is your aim today? At what (or may I ask at whom) are you aiming? If you are to have deep roots, you must aid them in growth. 

I have planted trees in my hard Arizona soil. Before I could sink those trees deep into the harder soil, they had to take root in rich, easily tended soil. They had to be grown, well-rooted, with roots ready to make their way in this hard soil.

I had to prepare the soil - digging a much bigger hole than the tree roots required right now. Then I added all manner of nutrients and rich mulch to the hole. Why? To give the roots the greatest chance to take hold. 

God does much the same with us. He lets us take root in 'safety' and 'security', then as he 'transplants' us into the place where we will one day flourish and bear fruit, he does so with absolute care to ensure our 'roots' grow deep and our footing is sure.

You may feel like being 'transplanted' is scary, but chances are when God is ready to bring forth great fruit in your life, it will require a 'bigger hole' for those roots to take hold! Just sayin!