And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. Isaiah 37:31

Here we have not just a prophecy, but the principle for growth. Though it is written to give hope to Judah when they have lost much, God would have you and I know the key to growth. We are commanded to grow, but too often, we attempt to produce fruit without any root.

The Lord Jesus mentioned that there was a certain soil that, though it received the seed of the Word of God, the plant easily wilted not having any root. (Matthew 13:6)

The root system is the most important part of growth. It determines your stability. Pine trees and palm trees can be blown over with ease because they have shallow roots. On the other hand, an oak tree is almost impossible to blow over because of the depth of its roots.

In the winter, it’s hard to tell the difference between dead trees and living trees because they have all lost their leaves. They all look like they are dying. Yet the difference is the roots. Those who have healthy roots will come to life in the spring, those with unhealthy roots will struggle at best. We may go through winter seasons spiritually where we see no fruit but if we take care of the root God will give us fruit in due season.

We can’t make people come to church, get saved or listen to our counsel, but we can walk with God, remain faithful in prayer and study the Bible. We can continue to witness and love people. We can keep ourselves clean before God. He will work in our lives publicly as we work on our lives privately. He will take care of our reputation if we will take care of our character.

Are you developing a good work ethic? Are you faithful with your present responsibilities? Are you in God’s Word daily and praying daily? Are you learning the practice of dying to self, when doing right is uncomfortable? These are root issues that must be nourished if you want to flourish! Work on these and God will take care of the rest.

The San Francisco 49ers were losing to the Detroit Lions at the end of the first half. The team was discouraged at halftime. Bill Walsh came to the locker room completely relaxed. Rather than get angry at his team, he complimented them for following the game plan. He said boys, you’re playing great. You are executing, you are working and they are wearing down. Just continue to follow the game plan and the score will take care of itself. They were encouraged. They could do that. They followed the game plan and the score did take care of itself as they took the lead and then won the game with a dramatic comeback. 

Follow the game plan and the score will take care of itself. Take care of the root and the fruit will come!