A tree planted

 For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too. (Romans 11:16)

When we give our lives to Christ, asking his Spirit to indwell us, we can count on change occurring. Does that mean it will become evident all at once? If we consider the tree as our example, we might just have that answer to our question. The tree might have 'new roots' and 'new soil' into which it has been planted, but the branches that are already there don't change overnight, do they?

There is some pruning that must occur to remove the dead growth. A little pruning must occur that 'reshapes' the tree once it is rooted - to give it enough shape so that the winds go through those branches well enough not to uproot it or break its 'hold' in that new soil. There will be barren branches that don't seem to have any leaves yet, but they must be preserved and allowed to come into full bud or bloom. As all of this occurs, space is made for new growth - the potential for growth is trusted even when it is not as yet seen.

As we can see, the tree changes gradually and quickly all at the same time. Some change is quick as a result of God's pruning. Other change is gradual because of the shaping and the 'planning' that makes way for the new growth. We won't be transformed overnight, but the work has begun, and the soil has been specifically prepared for all that new growth that will soon be evident.

As our life is 'tended' by God's Spirit, we can count on 'new growth' to replace the branches that no longer are a part of this 'holy tree' of our life. We may not yet see the finished 'product' or understand all the pruning that has occurred or is occurring, but we can trust that he knows what storms will attempt to uproot us, when dry seasons will come that we must be prepared for, and how each branch and root will support us through it all. Just sayin!