A few months ago, we were given some bamboo shoots. They were green and lush; tall and beautiful. And without roots.
Not knowing what to do with them, I did what every ‘horticulturist’ would do – I googled.
Discovering they can grow in either water or stone, I decided to go the water route. Various sites suggested once a method is selected to stay with it as they won’t do as well with a change.
Its been a journey of both curiosity and delight to watch the growth. Their root system has developed from non-existent to a winding cluster.
Recently I read these verses hidden in Hosea 14:
“I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like a lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. Its branches will spread out like beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedars of Lebanon.” (verse 5-6, NLT)
A few days after reading those verses, Watchman Nee shed light with his beautiful insight:
Here surely is the paradox of a life in which the Cross is known. Outwardly it is fragile as the lily blooming on earth, but secretly there is a hundred times more below ground …
… Men take account only of the lily blooming in its weakness. God is concerned with the roots, that they be cedarlike in strength.
(from Tables in the Wilderness, January 30th)
Lilies grow tall and thin. I tend to plant them where they will be sheltered, fearful the wind will bend them over, or worse yet, break them. I have often thought of them as fragile.
It is not what is seen, but what is unseen, which is indicative of strength.
When we look solely at the surface or appearance, we completely overlook the depth of beauty, strength, and courage hidden underneath. There is an unseen history with God, working in the shadows, strengthening and girding.
Our lives may seem fragile and weak as the lily,
but with Him –
become strong and stable like the majestic cedars in Lebanon.
Today I am joining … Porch Stories and Tell His Story and Coffee For Your Heart and Woman to Woman .
This is so beautiful. Especially this quote:
… Men take account only of the lily blooming in its weakness. God is concerned with the roots, that they be cedarlike in strength.
It reminds me of my little niece who was born much too early. God sent this Scripture before my sister and husband finally settled on a name – her name means “little green shoot”. And we watched in amazement as God grew her in strength and this tiny little girl stunned medical staff leaving much before they expected – and only spending a day in an incubator. God is mighty to be praised! The Scripture was such an encouragement to us as we prayed for this little girl, who is now 1 and thriving.
Isaiah 11 (MSG)
1-5 A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse’s stump,
from his roots a budding Branch.
The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him,
the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit that gives direction and builds strength,
the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God.
Anna, thank you for sharing the beautiful testimony of your niece! Much the way you all watched in amazement as she grew, I think God delights in watching us grow as well. May He keep His hand on her life, and yours! Blessings!
This is beautiful, Joanne! I love when God weaves together details like that to bring truth into our lives. Thanks for linking up at #PorchStories. xo
Kristin, it is the way He speaks most clearly to me 🙂
Your words make me want to strive for Nee’s “cedarlike” roots. We pay so much attention to the blossom sometimes, but it’s temporary.
Such a good observation, Michele, as we do focus on the bloom. May we both strive for “cedarlike” roots. I loved that phrasing!
Great post, Joanne! It’s true, the roots are so important. I love that if we are truly rooted in God’s love and truth we can have a strength that might not be obvious to others at first glance. And it reminds me of the importance of constantly developing those roots and letting them sink down even deeper.
Sometimes we are not even aware ourselves of the strength He has been developing in us.
This was really encouraging, Joanne.
Watchman Nee’s insights are valuable too.
I was reminded of these verses in Ephesians 3, which are dear to my heart:
May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.
Colossians 1 11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,[c]12 always thanking the Father.
I think that strengthening comes up from those deep roots, soaking up His wisdom, love and power.
Mary, I so appreciated your thoughts and the Scriptures you shared. Thank you!!
What a wonderful picture…and a reminder of the importance of the strong roots grown and nurtured long before there was the beauty of bloom!
Such a great insight. We long for the bloom before the development of roots. So true! May we do the hard work of root growth and patiently wait for the beauty to bloom.