We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. Romans 5:3
Is there even point to all the hardships we face?
Scientists have revealed that some trees, when faced with extreme drought, don’t wither and die as expected. Instead, they develop deeper roots to access hidden water reserves underground. [1] In many ways, this mirrors our own lives. In difficult seasons, we often find strength we didn’t know we had, and our faith digs deeper.
This tree root mystery reminds us of the resilience God has designed in creation, and in us. When we face troubles, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but the Bible gives us a different perspective. The Bible tells us, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (Romans 5:3-4). Just as the trees grow stronger roots during drought, our faith deepens when we endure hardship—if we let it.
This doesn’t mean we enjoy struggles. We can be completely miserable, or we can choose to respond to pain by going deeper and ask God to reveal His strength in us and bring resilience.
Maybe today you feel like you’re in a season of drought, where everything seems to be going wrong. Know that God sees you. Like those trees, you’re growing deep roots of faith in ways that aren’t always visible, but that will bear fruit in time. The deeper your roots, the stronger your foundation.
What trials are you facing today? Trust that God is using them to help your roots of faith grow deeper.
[1] Brunner, I., Herzog, C., Dawes, M. A., Arend, M., and Sperisen, C. “How Tree Roots Respond to Drought.” Frontiers in Plant Science, vol. 6, 29 July 2015, article 547, doi:10.3389/fpls.2015.00547.
