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Aug 28, 2026 06:00am

When the Roots Go Deep

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We have this beautiful purple leaf plum tree in our front yard. I love the way it blooms in the spring, and it gives lots of little plums during the summer. We noticed some similar trees sprouting up a few feet away from the tree. We decided to dig them up and plant them in other places. But as we dug beneath the surface, we discovered something.

These new trees were shoots off the root of the main tree. In order to replant these smaller trees in a new spot, we had to cut them from the roots of the main tree.

The challenge had only just begun.

Here in the hills, just digging the hole is almost impossible. The ground is rocky and difficult to get through. And with the recent drought, the ground is dry and hard.

Once we break through all the rock, we have to get the tree ready. We pour in some good soil, rich in nutrients, and make sure the roots are exposed. As we place it in the ground, we cover the roots with soil and pack it in, making sure the tree is able to stand on its own.

Eventually, the tree’s roots will grow and find their source of water. That’s our hope, anyway. It used to be connected directly to the main tree for sustenance and will need to establish its own root system. But for now, it relies on us to water it until it’s strong enough on its own.

There can be some rough days for a bit as it goes through the shock of being removed and planted on its own. Leaves fade and wilt a little as it tries to push through the difficult days.

And to us, there is nothing like seeing that tree flourish. Seeing it grow, the leaves full and colorful. The blooms in the spring. And knowing that because of its root system finding the source of water, it is standing firm.

**1 Thessalonians 3:7–8**

*“Therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.”*

Paul and his missionary companions had brought the good news of Jesus to the Thessalonians, and a church was planted there. They taught them how to follow Jesus and what faith looked like through words and actions. When it was time to go, they committed to praying for them with hopes of returning in the future.

But Satan had prevented them from going back. Paul was concerned about the new believers. They were under great persecution and temptations from the world around them. Would they be able to stand on their own without him there? Could they make it if he wasn’t pouring the truth into them?

He sent Timothy to them to see how they were doing and to encourage them. And the message Timothy sent back to Paul was exactly what Paul had hoped for.

They were standing firm.

Their roots were now established in the faith, and they were learning to seek the truth themselves, digging deeper into the Word of God and finding the Living Water—Jesus.

Paul was comforted and rejoiced at hearing that they were withstanding the strong forces surrounding them. His children in the faith were growing.

Even as I look back at those who invested in me, and the ones I have invested in, I can tell you—there is nothing like seeing the growth in the life of a believer.

Watching them love the Lord and serve others, seeing them remain in church and be involved, and just seeing and hearing the growth in their relationship with the Lord. There’s just nothing like it.

And like Paul, we rejoice and praise God for them! They have established a strong root system in the faith and are relying on the true source, the Living Water.

Is there someone who has been pouring the truth of God into you? Is there someone who has invested time into encouraging and teaching you? Would you take the time to reach out to them and let them know? That encouragement may be just what they need to hear today! Would you praise the Lord for them today?

Maybe there’s someone in your life that you’ve invested in who isn’t standing firm in the faith. Keep praying for them. The Lord is always at work! Pray for their return to Him. Pray for their soul to finally find what they’ve been searching for. And if the opportunity arises, welcome them and their questions with loving, open arms of grace and truth.