Planted Firmly or Breaking Under the Pressure?

"But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word." Matthew 13:21

"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong." Ephesians 3:17

We just had a major winter storm hit our area this past weekend. There were 12+ inches of snow and ice, on top of the foot of snow we had received the weekend before. The type of snow and ice we got was very heavy and clung to the trees, causing many to fall and break under the burden of the precipitation. This caused a major power outage (some are still waiting for power to be restored, going into day #5). We finally dug our way out yesterday and drove into town for some much needed interaction with other people and time out of the house! On our way there we passed so many trees that had fallen and others that were bowing so low they were touching the ground, sure to break soon. This, as many things do, took on a much deeper spiritual meaning for me. What kind of Christian are you? Are you a Christian who will break under the pressures and burdens that life will bring your way or are your "roots" (your faith and relationship with the Lord) firmly planted so that you can weather the storms of life. These trees that fell this weekend didn't just "hurt themselves" their falling caused some major problems for so many people as they were without heat and water and their food spoiled. This also made me realize that when Christians aren't firmly rooted in the Lord they can bring others down with them when they break under the burdens and pressures. When we throw up our hands and break under the pressure we don't just hurt ourselves. There are many ways in which we can bring others down with us. For instance people are watching you, whether you are aware of it or not. They could be anyone from your children, to your spouse and your family and friends. If someone who knows that you are a Christian and maybe they aren't a Christian or are weak in the faith, sees you give up, walk away from your relationship with God, or break under the stresses what kind of example does that set? If your little child is watching mommy or daddy (which they do all the time) and sees them blow up and yell at one another or at someone else, are they seeing an example of Christ? Just food for thought!
So how do we get our roots stronger and deeper in Christ? We must read God's Word regularly, really study it and be involved in a Bible teaching church, surround ourselves with other Christians who can help us grow and be aware of our reactions to things. It takes lots of daily practice to pattern our behaviors after what is pleasing to the Lord. We will fall, but that does not mean we will be broken. The Lord will strengthen us as we keep on keeping on and over time our spiritual roots will deepen and spiritual maturity will come. Your roots won't be mature and deep overnight, that's not what is vital, what is important is that you are truly desiring this maturity and spiritual strengthening in your life and actively pursuing it!
I long for my roots to get stronger so that the storm won't cause me to break!