March 2: Growing Strong Roots

When the Storm Came

Sharon Campbell-Danvers 

Key Text: Jeremiah 17:7–8 KJV

7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord,

and whose hope the Lord is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters,

and that spreadeth out her roots by the river,

and shall not see when heat cometh,

but her leaf shall be green;

and shall not be careful in the year of drought,

neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

A few years ago, when a tropical storm passed through the Cayman Islands, two beloved trees fell - ackee and breadfruit. These two trees represent more than food in our Caribbean homes. They symbolize culture, heritage, and togetherness.

When the winds came, both trees were uprooted. The reason was not visible at first. It was not the leaves. It was not the trunk. It was the roots. They had not gone deep enough.

The breadfruit tree eventually began to grow again. Branches formed. Leaves returned. Even fruit appeared. But the limbs were still weak. The fruits were often too heavy and would fall before maturity.

The ackee tree could have been cut down. It looked unstable. It looked finished. But instead of removing it, wisdom prevailed. A tractor was used to lift it. It was tied securely to the fence. And even today, that cord still holds it in place.

Jeremiah 17:7–8 reminds us that the blessed person is like a tree planted by water, sending roots toward a steady stream. Stability does not come from calm weather but from deep connection. Heat and drought will come, yet the rooted tree remains green because its source is secure.

Like those trees, storms reveal the depth of our roots. If our trust is shallow, we are easily shaken. But when we place our full confidence in the Lord, our roots stretch deeper into Him. Then pressure does not uproot us, and fruit does not fall prematurely.

Storms are inevitable, but so is strength when we are planted by living water. Deep roots in God sustain lasting fruit.

Prayer

Lord, plant me by Your living water.
Deepen my roots in seasons of quiet.
Strengthen my limbs so I can carry the fruit You place on my life.
When I am weak, lift me.
When I am unstable, secure me.
And when the winds come, let me remain rooted in You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.