Session 18

How to stand strong when trouble comes your way

From Letters of Paul: 30-Day Bible Study

When planted, the seed has to break or die. It’s impossible for a seed to become a beautiful flower or delicious vegetable without breaking open. After its death, the seed’s new life emerges. Yet the growth on the surface is unseen because the roots are taking shape.

The seed cannot grow to its potential without deep roots. Roots provide strength, nourishment, and stability for the new plant. As time passes, we begin to see signs of life — flowers or branches. Yet, if removed from its stem, these seedlings wither and die again.

In Paul’s letter to the church of Colosse, he compares growing in our relationship with Jesus to the growth of a seed.

When we commit to following Jesus, we die to our old, sinful selves so God can bring out the treasures that lie within us. Paul says in Colossians 2:6-7, “as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

At salvation, our sinful self dies, and we emerge as a child of God. As we lean into God’s strength and spend time with Him, we develop strong roots. As we grow, new life to emerge from us. How we talk, interact with others, and share God’s love start from the root, from of our relationship with Christ.

When we have a relationship with Jesus, we become connected to the source of life. Apart from this connection with Jesus, we wither away.

Psalm 18:28 says, “For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.” No matter what darkness or deceit comes our way, our God promises to be our light (Colossians 2:4). God’s way is perfect, and, when we connect to Him, we can stand strong.

Reflect:

• How would you describe the growth in your relationship with Jesus up to this point?
  
• How would you describe the season you’re in now? Does it feel like winter when all the growth happens inside a plant, or are you bearing lots of fruit?
  
• What’s one way you can look to Jesus to light your path today?