What if growth is happening where nobody can see it?

The tree in this photo is not impressive because of height or leaves or the number of branches. It’s impressive because of its roots. 

This little tree should not be able to stand here on this rock; however, its roots have found a way to balance its weight. The roots have spread out on top of this rock in a way that has allowed it to withstand the wind. The roots have created a foundation. Before the tree could grow at all, the roots had to grasp onto the rock in this tiny amount of dirt and create a base, which set the stage for the tree. 

Doesn’t this feel so much like our businesses and non-profits? I want the growth and the exposure and for all my efforts… to just stinking WORK already. 

But the truth is, I’m building a foundation just like you are. I’m following the plans I feel God is leading me towards. And so much of the time, the plans are ones no one will ever see. From the in-depth Bible studies that teach me concepts which influence what I do to the relationship building. I spend a lot of time doing work no one will see. It’s those foundational roots which are burrowing deep into the soil of God’s plan and purpose no one is seeing but are holding up the structure which is seen. 

Even after nearly 10 years of owning this business and 15 years owning a small corporation before this, I am continually building and maintaining the foundation. With all this experience, there’s still foundational work God has for me in this process. I must do this so that the bigger my organization gets, the foundation can still keep it stable and balanced. 

Just like a tree, our roots serve many purposes, and we must continually give them attention. 

God may be building this foundation larger and larger because what He has planned REQUIRES a strong foundation to hold it up. 

The scriptures I found which pertain to this include:

Psalms 1:1-3 – trees planted by streams of water…water being the Word and relationships which both continually feed the roots of our organizations.

Colossians 2:6–7 – live my life in Him…rooted and built up in Him

Regardless of how much time we spend on things which don’t seem to show from the outside, doesn’t mean that growth is absent.  

The reality is this: roots are evidence that growth is coming.

Journal Prompt: 

What roots have you and God been growing since the beginning of your organization, which seem like drudgery but are the foundations that keep it going? Would reframing your mindset around this process give you some fresh enthusiasm?

Prayer:

Abba Father,

Thank you for the one reading this blog. I pray for their organization and the root systems You have been having them build. I pray You give them insight into how the root system they’ve been building, which seems to never show any evidence of growth, is creating a stability and foundation for the big picture they cannot yet see. I pray that as they continue in their obedience to do the things they do not understand but remain in Your will, that they would find a peace and energy to keep going. I pray that even in weariness, they don’t give up. Like that little tree thriving on a rock, I pray You will help them thrive in places which make no sense whatsoever. I ask all of this so they can tell the story so You get all of the glory.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen