Check your roots!

A few months ago( in 2022), I had the inspiration to transplant my 'mother' Aloe Vera plant which was reproducing so well, surrounded by daughter plants in a flower pot placed at our verandah. I observed that 'she' (Personally, I love plants and enjoy talking to them) needed a bigger space. So I planned to take her to the frontage of the house that obviously needed an uplift. My husband and I cleared the weeds at the frontage and prepared the soil for a garden. Afterwards, we transplanted her (the Aloe Vera).

Meanwhile, one of our neighbors, an amazing elderly woman came and raised her concern that people will cut the plant principally for its medicinal value. I responded with a forced smile (out of fear) . After we finished gardening, my eldest son also came and asked; "Mum, why did you plant your Aloe Vera 🌵 outside? ...people will cut it o..." my fear over the safety of the plant heightened but I courageously retorted " I trust God to help me guard her .." This came out of a prayer of faith as I quietly spoke to God about my concerns for the plant.

Afterwards, later in the evening while eating dinner, I sensed the Holy Spirit speaking to me  "So you care so passionately about the safety of your Aloe Vera plant out of fear that she's not strong enough to withstand the attacks she will be exposed to out there..think about it, what do you think I'm doing while nursing and working in you in this hidden place causing you to die daily to self and taking root downward in my love? Understand that it is to cause you to bear fruit upwards so that people will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven, even so, I'm grooming you to be mature enough to withstand the persecutions and trials that arise because of the Word you publicly declare ..."

Isaiah 37: 31 " And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah
Shall again take root downward,
And bear fruit upward.

In our fast paced technologically driven world, short cuts and quick fixes are idolized as escape routes from the perceived 'foolishness' of detailed processes. Almost everyone is talking about how to live a life that impacts others in a positive and sustainable manner, but few actually have the requisite Godly wisdom to do that. Little wonder, many compound their issues by spending hours feasting on candies and sugar coated contents while neglecting the life transforming Godly wisdom presented in different styles and forms in the deep ocean of social media. No doubt, what you hunger for is truly an indication of your root! Hmm...check your roots! 

The roots are the lifelines of plants...they also bear the fruits 🍓. Of course the way to identify a person is by the kind of fruit produced. The fruit of the Spirit is visibly distinct making the bearer refreshingly different. Our concern about the prevalence of bad fruits in our society reveals at a deeper level that certain  'awkward' roots must be dealt with. We must deal with such roots spiritually and mentally at all levels to see a lasting change. 

Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ... Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire..Mathew 7 ; 18

"As a believer, do not forget the principle that roots have to be established downwards before fruit can be borne upward. The shallow - rooted Christian and the shallow - rooted church will wither and die "...Ron Graham.

The wisdom of God perfectly takes us downward at certain seasons of life in order to stretch our knowledge of Him and His ways. His mighty Hands take us down into the soil of trials and tribulations. Daily watered with His word and lighted by the radiance of His love. There, we learn to die daily to self and lust and are prepared to be transformational leaders and followers in line with His purpose, also discerning enough to identify and find the treasures of hidden riches in secret places. The process is never enjoyable especially to the flesh, however His grace is sufficient to keep us strong and vigorous, rooting downwards, and eventually breaking out and springing forth new tendrils of life.  

I counsel do not seek to be noticed! In the process of time, a fruit bearing believer is easily noticed and of course will be attacked by those who desire to eat the fruit but do not know how to go about it ...they hit at the believer with the stones of envy, bitterness, jealousy...

I have come to understand that the cross we carry; the attacks, misunderstanding, hunger, false accusations, temptations, persecutions, dishonor, shame, disappointments, betrayals and rejections we face for righteousness sake become assets in the long run for they make us stronger. Mind you, if they took back the pains they caused you, you will lose the strength you gained.

Again I counsel, draw closer to God and you won't be bitter when you face such trials and tribulations while doing God's will. Marinate your emotions in God's word and stay in the refreshing ocean of His love. Refuse to be distracted. Trust God enough to vindicate and justify you in His own way and time. God justifies those who do what He has called them to do.

The Passion Translation Psalm 37:3-4 Keep trusting in the Lord and do what is right in his eyes. Fix your heart on the promises of God and you will be secure, feasting on his faithfulness. Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life, and he will provide for you what you desire the most.

Yours sincerely

Segilola.