Have you ever wanted to quit everything in this life? Quit your family and all relationships, quit your job, even quit being spiritual and serving the Lord; quit being who you are? And then you had a talk with God Almighty, your loving Father. And you discovered that there really was no reason to want to quit. Our God is so understanding, He knows exactly how we feel and how we can become discouraged, so He gives the parable of the Fern and the Bamboo Tree.
God tells how He planted the fern and the bamboo tree seeds at the same time. He explained how He took very good care of them. He gave them light and water. Now the fern grew quickly from the earth. In no time its beautiful bright green covered the ground. However, nothing came up from the bamboo seed. But God did not give up on it. In the second year the fern grew even more vibrant and spread its leaves abundantly. But still nothing from the bamboo seed. And even so, God did not give up or quit on the bamboo. In the third year there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But God did not quit or give up, He was persistent even up to the fifth year. Then it happened, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Now compared to the fern which had been growing all these years, it was seemingly small and very insignificant. But that was just the beginning! For within six months that bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent those five years growing roots, deep down in the earth. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. God says He will never put more on us than we can bear. (I Corinthians 10:13). When we are going through the trials and temptations, all the struggles, we are actually growing roots. And just as God did not give up or quit on the bamboo, He will never give up on us or quit. We don't have to compare ourselves with others. God has a plan and a purpose for each of us that is different from any other of His creation. The fern has a different purpose than the bamboo, and they both have their own unique beauty.
Did you know that when the hurricane winds blow against that bamboo, it may bend as low as the ground, but it will not break because its roots are so deep? It comes right back to its very tall upright position, undaunted by the storm. "Let your roots grow down into Him, and your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7 NLT.
Everyone has days when they want to quit. When there are storms in life, struggles, intimidations, fears, all kinds of obstacles, just remember you are growing roots! Have a talk with the Father and find out what His purpose is for you. And always remember, He said He would never leave you nor forsake you. He will be with you until the end of the world. (Hebrews 13:5b). Don't quit, don't give up on God! "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58.
