Exposed Roots by Lori Kennedy

Photo by Amelia Grace Photography 

Exposed Roots 

By

Lori Kennedy 

“But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” (Mark 4:17 – NIV)

A big wind storm recently came through my neighborhood.  I heard a big crack and my dogs began to bark.  I ran down the stairs to see what had occurred and saw that the only tree in my front yard had been blown over by the storm.  Looking at the exposed and cracked roots, I realized that it could no longer survive separated from its root system.  This source of great beauty and shelter in my front yard now lay dying as this great storm had stripped the tree from its roots.  Because it had not held fast during the fierce winds, it would now wither after the storm subsided.

God never promised that we would not have storms in our lives.  In fact, many scriptures speak of, “when the storms come” and not, “if the storms come”. God does ask us to rejoice in our sufferings.   


Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) states, ^“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”  He also promises that He will perfect us through those storms.  

James 1:2-4 (NIV), “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

When the storm is over and you look back, you can see that your faith has been developed through that storm.  Do you hold fast to God in the storms of your life, knowing you are developing perseverance, or do you let them blow you over and keep you from overcoming and fulfilling your God given destiny?