WW2P – Wednesday’s Word to Pastors

Stay the Course

I recently read about the Chinese Bamboo Tree.  This is a tree that only the most patient can grow.  The Chinese Bamboo, when planted, does not break the ground for four years.  Then, amazingly, in the fifth year it grows to a height of 90 feet in just five weeks.  This begs the question, what is the tree doing for the first four years?  The answer, laying down roots, deep roots.  The truth of the matter is, that if it weren’t for the roots that were laid down in the first four years, the growth of the fifth year could not happen.  The most important part of what takes place in unseen.

The parallels between the Chinese Bamboo Tree and ministry are numerous.  It is the things that cannot be seen that matter so deeply.  It is the things that are done in secret that make the difference.  When the proper “root system” is laid, growth takes place.  Sadly, all anyone ever sees is the growth.  They fail to recognize that there was a period of years in which the foundation for the growth took place.

As ministers, we need to give our attention to the “root system.”  Focusing on the right things will help us to produce the right fruit.  When things seem slow, or growth seems almost as an impossibility, be patient.  The roots you are laying today will produce the growth you desire tomorrow.