Focus on the roots not the leaves

There are times in life when despite our strongest efforts tough circumstances appear out of our control, no matter how hard we try the circumstances remains the same. Irrespective of how these situations arise one thing always remains true – God doesn’t want to waste this time but to use it for good. God is interested in us, not just the circumstances and wants to grow our faith and reliance on him. He doesn’t want a people who source strength only from their own talents and abilities but draw strength from Him. A great verse to remember is from Jeremiah 17:7-8

7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”

The heat and drought don’t cause any worry because the roots are firmly planted in the water, its source of strength. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him! An entire year of drought doesn’t stop the tree bearing fruit because its strength isn’t in the changing circumstances but from the living water.

During years of heat and drought God wants us to focus on strengthening ourselves through him and the good news is we can still be fruitful even during these times. Remember, during the drought focus on the roots not the leaves! No matter what the situation God is using it for good. Romans 8:28:

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose.