Chinese Bamboo Tree

(I posted this blog a long time ago but this morning re-wrote certain parts. Though still one of my favorite visuals using an allegorical element, life experience has given me new appreciation on how I now embrace the story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree)

Jeremiah 17:8 (NIV) “He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to want to grab ahold of something tangible, something our eyes can see.  God often requires us to hold onto Him and trust Him alone when our eyes cannot see and our hands cannot touch tangible.

This week I learned about an interesting tree that I think most of us can relate to: the Chinese Bamboo Tree.  This unusual tree spends the first four years of its life developing its root system; not a single sprout appears during this timeframe.  By all appearances, the tree lies dormant—void of purpose— for four years.

The owner of the Chinese Bamboo Tree feeds and fertilizes it; yet there is no visible change.  Hidden beneath the soil, the roots continue to grow strong.  To dig up the roots due to impatience would stunt the tree’s life.  

After four years of fertilizing and caring for the tree without so much as a sprout; the fifth year finally arrives.  

In the fifth year of the Chinese Bamboo Tree's life, the seed sprouts, shooting up to 80 feet in just one growing season.  Because of the strong infrastructure, the roots are able to sustain the size of the tree with no problems.

So, though it appeared that the Chinese Bamboo Tree was lying dormant for four years, those four years were necessary for what was to come.  

Eyes of faith needed to see that which cannot be seen with human eyes. 

Maybe you can relate to this unique tree; I know I can. At first glance my ordinary life may not resemble salt or a bright glowing light that others are drawn to like a magnet.  In some seasons I find that myself, my roots, and my infrastructure appear to be invisible and dormant to the untrained eye. 

Trusting God with the infrastructure proves to be difficult when I can’t understand the purpose for the visible stagnation of my growth. 

In seasons when hope has faded, I am learning that reading God’s Word and praying are imperative to fertilizing the seed and strengthening the roots of faith. The ultimate outcome, God's promise to me and to you, will be roots strong enough to withstand anything and everything.

If we determine to stay the course, choosing to put our faith and trust in God’s Word instead of man’s word, Jeremiah 17:8 reminds us that we “will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Just as the owner of the Chinese Bamboo Tree remains faithful in tending his tree, knowing that intentional care is necessary in order for the fifth year to bring forth fruit; we must do the same.    

In God’s perfect timing, the fifth year will arrive.

Vibrant with fruit, deeply rooted, we will stand 80 feet tall,  bringing glory and honor to the One who patiently nurtures and cares for our souls.

Stay the Course…

Sheila

Today’s Prayer: “Father, thank You for the promise that when I place my trust and faith in You, I will be like a tree planted by the water that sends my roots out to the stream.  Thank You for the promise of life and growth, even when there is a drought in the land.  You are my source of life, apart from You I would surely die.  Please help my unbelief in the moments when I feel as though my life is dormant.  Please increase my appetite for Your Word. Though the world may pull me in with its promise of happiness and fulfillment, my soul finds no satisfaction apart from You.  The world leaves me empty and searching for more; void of truth.  Help me to not grow weary or lose hope as You continue to nurture my roots.  Please finish the good work You have began in me.  I trust Your faithfulness. In Jesus name I pray, amen.”