I saw two carrots: one carrot with a deep root but few leaves out on the soil and one with large leave but few roots deep. When the storm came, the one with the strong roots was not moved, but the other carrot was carried away by the flood. The same principle applies when we are deeply rooted, grounded and established with God, we remained unmoved and unshaken despite big trials that come along.

I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. – Psalms 16:8. There is a beauty when we remind ourselves that God is beside us. He is telling us: “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10.

Kelangan sa tao matibay ang atin paniniwala at pananalig sa Diyos. Dahil kung mahina tayo, madali tayong maanod ng mga pagsubok. Maybe it’s time to grow deeper. When Jesus told Peter to throw the nets into the deeper part of the sea, God was telling him to go deeper. When Peter did, he caught so much fish that his nets began to break.

Paul who wrote half of the New Testament did it when he was in prison cell. How did he do it? How could he be encouraging others, when he was there in custody and could not get out. Marami sa atin, ang galing mag-advise sa iba, kahit tayo mismo ay may mga pinag dadaaanan din. But Paul managed to understand that principle of being deeply rooted in Christ. It is he who said in Philippians 4:12-13:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.

Paul learned to be contented in any and every situation. The same thing with us, we learn the way to appreciate more of life not only when we have enough, but also when we are in need; not only when we are well-fed but also when we are hungry.

Jesus said in the book of John 16:33

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!

God did not promise that life would be easy. But he promised us not be afraid that be of courage because He has overcome the world. Sabi nga ng isang awit: “He never promise that there will always be the sunshine; He never said there would be no rain…Give them all to Jesus…He will turn your sorrow into joy!”

When we know the bigness of our God, you can boldly say to your problem: Dear problem, my God is bigger than you. No weapon forms against me shall prosper. I am a child of the Most High God.”

I also like the song: “I know my God shall make way for me…I am not moved by what I see…I don’t live by what I feel…” Christians are called ‘believers’ because we have this faith which guides us to walk by. We walk by faith, not by sight. We don’t become so emotional when we hear negativity because we are rooted to the promises of God: “I will never leave you. I will never forsake you.”

Don’t let problems affect your vision. There is a saying: “ship don’t sink because of the troubled waters around it. It sinks when it allows water to get into it.” When we allow anxieties and worries to infect us, then we cannot say we believe in God, and yet we worry. Hindi pwede magkasama ang “faith” at “doubt.” They don’t stay together. You have the power to choose. But I urge you to choose faith! Choose to believe that God who is the Creator, the Life-Maker is the King of all kings…would plan for you a better future.

Now, it’s time that our roots grow deeper. Just like what is written in Colossians 2:7

having been deeply rooted [in Him] and now being continually built up in Him and [becoming increasingly more] established in your faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing in it with gratitude.