Grounded in Faith: Finding Your Redwoods

October 4, 2024 | Faith

When was the last time you were left speechless by a magnificent sight in nature? Maybe it was witnessing the glow of the Northern lights, the depth of the Grand Canyon, or the crashing water of Niagara Falls. Or - maybe it was something right in your own backyard - the leaves changing color in the fall or the first snowfall of the year. For me, it was seeing the Redwood Forest in Northern California, home to the tallest trees on Earth. Many of the trees stand over 300 feet tall and 20 feet wide. God’s presence and power struck me so powerfully that I cried. Seriously! Uncontrollable tears fell from my eyes as I gazed up at these giants. All I could think was, “God, you are INCREDIBLE!” Before my visit I researched just about all I could about Redwoods. I looked up photos, read about the history, and even watched a documentary about the different species. But nothing I read prepared me for seeing the trees in-person. As my husband and I drove home, we realized the Redwood Trees are the perfect metaphor for what God intends the church to look like - firmly rooted and constantly growing.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:6-7

Like a strong tree, followers of Jesus are to be firmly grounded in their faith, drawing spiritual nourishment and strength from their relationship with Christ. What does it mean to be firmly grounded in faith?

Continuously nurturing your relationship with Christ
Being grounded in sound doctrine and teaching
Cultivating an attitude of thankfulness
Allowing faith to influence your words, thoughts and actions

If we are not firmly rooted, we are susceptible to attacks against our faith life. An interesting fact about Redwood trees is that they have an extremely shallow root system. Their roots don’t grow deep, they grow wide. Their roots support their weight by intertwining with the roots of surrounding Redwoods. Think about that for a second: A single Redwood can’t stand alone, it needs at least one another to support it. The same is true for us! We, just like the Redwood trees, need a strong support system to keep us upright and growing. The church is your Redwood Forest. As we support one another, firmly rooted in our love of the Lord, we become an unshakable force.

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work”

Ephesians 4:16

This verse signifies the importance of fellowship, unity, and cooperation among church members. As a follower of Jesus, you have a unique role that only you can fulfill. Just as every part of the body has a specific function, each member of the church has unique gifts and roles that are vital for the overall health and effectiveness of the church. The phrase "From him" refers to Jesus Christ, indicating that He is the source and sustainer of the church. Everything originates from Him, and He provides the necessary nourishment and direction for the growth and unity of the church. The impact of the church operating as a single unit is remarkable. By doing so, we can develop a resilient and flourishing faith that stands the test of time and challenges. We not only become an unshakable force, but we also become a sight that leaves the world in awe. Who are the “Redwood Trees” in your life? That is, who are people who support and help you to grow in your relationship with the Lord?

Abbey holds a degree in journalism from Indiana University. Her favorite topics to cover are spiritual development, nutrition, and the importance of community and connection. Currently, she and her husband live in Michigan where she works in active ministry. In her free time you'll likely find her nose deep in a book, leading group fitness classes, or experimenting in the kitchen.