Roots Before Results
November 5, 2026
“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.”Colossians 2:6 to 7 NIV
Allowing our lives to become deeply rooted in Christ before visible growth appears.
Lord Jesus,
I am drawn to what can be seen.
Growth that can be measured.Progress that can be shared.Results that reassure me the effort has been worthwhile.
But before a tree carries visible fruit, it must become ῥιζόω (rhizoō).
Rooted.Made firm beneath the surface.Anchored deeply enough to receive nourishment and withstand pressure.
Root me in You.
When life feels quiet, help me recognize the work of depth.
Use Scripture to deepen my understanding of who You are.
Use prayer to make my inner life more honest.
Use community to challenge the places where I would rather grow alone.
Use ordinary obedience to strengthen what dramatic moments cannot sustain.
I confess that I sometimes want influence without depth, fruit without roots, and responsibility without the hidden formation required to carry it.
Do not give me visible growth that my inner life is not prepared to sustain.
Deepen my character before expanding my reach.
Strengthen my integrity before increasing my opportunity.
Establish my identity in You before allowing success or disappointment to name me.
Roots grow by reaching toward a source.
Let my life keep reaching toward You.
When circumstances are dry, draw nourishment from Your faithfulness.
When winds test what I believe, keep me anchored in truth.
When no one notices the growth, remind me that hidden does not mean insignificant.
I may be eager for results.
But You are preparing me to remain.
Grow the roots first, Lord.
The fruit can come in its season.
Amen.
To root, establish deeply, or make firm beneath the surface.
In Colossians 2:7, ῥιζόω (rhizoō) describes a life grounded in Christ as a plant is anchored and nourished by its roots. Spiritual depth develops through Scripture, prayer, community, obedience, and continued dependence upon Jesus. Roots are largely unseen, but they determine whether visible growth can be sustained. God may use hidden seasons to establish the character and faith needed for future fruit.