UPROOTED
A little over year ago, I received a planter from some friends as a gift after my mother died. I remember thinking that it would be dead in a week since my ability to grow plants indoors is nonexistent (unless it be a succulent who loves when I forget to water it). There are several different kinds of plants in this one small pot and to my surprise, after a years time, it is growing and flourishing. The ficus tree that was growing in the middle is now about two feet tall. It was time to separate these plants so they could continue to grow.
I bought a few beautiful new pots and got to work. I quickly found that separating these plants, that for over a year have grown together in the same pot, was not an easy task. The roots below the surface had entangled themselves with each other. I gently worked a single plant this way and that, pulling and digging as I went. Finally, it would give way, but some of the roots snapped as the deep gave up the rest of the roots. After getting the ficus tree in its new pot all by itself, the fresh new soil covering the roots in a new dwelling with lots of space to grow and explore, I moved on to the next plant. An hour later, I happened to look over at the ficus tree and noticed that the very top where new leaves had sprouted, those new leaves had drooped, becoming limp. I gave it a little more water and encouraged it to perk up (Yes, I talk to my plants).
As I watched this plant from where I sat, I began to realize that this plant was acting just like I did when God moved my family to another part of the state, away from everyone I knew; from the life I knew. He gently pulled me this way and that untangling the roots that had grown so deep with the life I had known. It hurt! Then He put me in a dwelling place all alone, at least it felt like I was alone. My soul began to wither and become limp. Just like this plant that had other plants near it, I had my husband and kids with me, but I still felt lost in a new place trying to figure out this new life. Thirty-three years later, I look back and can see how God had uprooted me, pruned me, watered me, and loved me into a flourishing life in Him. This new space He had given me to dwell in required me to lean in closer to Him, to depend more on Him. That was what I needed for Him to continue to grow me in the purpose He had designed me for. Pulling up roots is painfully hard, there is no sugarcoating that, but, when you trust God with your life, you can know that the outcome will be one of love, growth, and something better. Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Notice it says that God works “ALL” things, not just some things. He does not waste anything in your life and He certainly didn’t with mine! Now, a month later, I look at this ficus tree and it is beautiful and growing new sprouts. It just needed time to adjust, as I did in my new dwelling place.
David’s Psalm 27:13-14 comes to mind as I think about my sad little plant and remember the uprooting God did in my life many years ago. As David navigated being uprooted from a life of shepherding his father’s flock to being anointed King and yet not able to take the throne, to then being on the run for his life, he still looked to God with these words: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” My friends, if you are in a place of feeling uprooted – pruned, take heart and be confident! God is working and you will see His goodness. Just wait for Him!