In Australia, there is a variety of gum trees that are nicknamed the “widow maker”. The reason is that these giant eucalyptus trees have a habit of dropping heavy branches, earning them the nickname.
Large trees compete for water and if their root growth is impeded in any way or the existing root system is damaged then the trees are not able to absorb the amount of water required to maintain the health of the crown of the tree. When there is not adequate water, the tree will create blockages to certain branches causing them to dry up and drop off. These huge branches falling from 30-40 meters to the ground can do real damage and there have been many recorded incidents of death through falling branches – hence the name “Widow Maker”.
Growth without strong roots and foundations will invariably cause a tree to topple or break in times of adversity which can cause a lot of harm and damage to both trees and people. Likewise, the pursuit of success and building a life, without anchoring ourselves to a strong and solid foundation leaves us vulnerable. We risk breaking or falling over when we face both the pressures of success and the need to adapt and grow and/or the pain and disappointment in the midst of the trials we face.
Many people look for shoots and the markings of success and popularity, but “without firm roots, you won’t have healthy shoots.” (John 15:16)
Shoots and growth, without a strong root system, struggle to survive as they can't access what they need to thrive over an extended period. They may sprout initially, but they won’t last.
God advises us that, “Wise people are builders, - they build families, businesses, communities. And through intelligence and insight, their enterprises are established and endure. Because of their skilled leadership, the hearts of people are filled with the treasures of wisdom and the pleasures of spiritual wealth.” (Proverbs 24:3-4 TPT; Matthew 7:24-27 TPT)
Today I encourage you to believe and plan for increase and the success that God wants you to have. “He delights in the prosperity of His servant.” (Psalm 35:27)
But determine to concentrate on building strong roots: a solid foundation and connection to God, time spent in His Word, and choosing to follow His way of doing things so that in times of both success and adversity you will continue to thrive. (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 1:1-3)
"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." Psalm 1:1-3)
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15:16 NIV)
Prayer: Lord, please help me to concentrate not just on results and the fulfillment of my goals and dreams but also on building a solid and strong life build on the foundation of a relationship with you so that neither success or adversity will move me from who I am and my relationship with you. In Jesus name Amen.