Rooted in the Heat: Finding Faith for a Scorched Soul
August…the time of year I catch myself wondering what in the world I was thinking when I added more flowers to my garden. Watering feels endless and futile as blistering heat torches even the toughest annuals like zinnia, sunflower, and globe amaranth.
Gazing out my back window, I see our sycamore tree has entered “summer dormancy,” a survival mode in which the tree stops growing and sheds leaves to protect its trunk and roots from moisture loss.
And then, God’s Word reminds me:
“I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground.” Isaiah 41:18 NLT
Dry seasons, blistering heat like fire come upon all of us. Cracks in the ground mirror the weariness of prayers left unanswered. It brings us to a point of decision: shall I press on and trust God, or give in to the circumstance attempting to suffocate the very breath in my lungs?
The lifelong journey of knowing Jesus personally, and allowing the Holy Spirit to show us the love of Father God has taught me that truth is found, not in what I see with my natural eyes. Rather, real truth is found in what I see with my eyes closed.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
One AI definition of faith is: “A strong belief or trust in someone or something without physical proof or scientific evidence.” I have a different view. Faith is a substance, not a feeling. The absolute proof of the existence of the Living God, the Creator of all things. “Unseen” does not mean non-existent. I can’t “see” the wind outdoors; I see its effect on the leaves on the trees, and the flags on the flag pole. I feel it across my face.
Searing heat may cause leaves to fall from the trees and flowers to fade on my perennials, but under the soil, in an unseen realm, roots stand firm. With unrelenting hope, they cling to every precious droplet of water, knowing that the dry season will pass and fall rains will soon relieve their weary striving.
“ Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth.” Hosea 6:3 NKJV
I’ve seen more chatter on social media about “other dimensions” and “alternate reality.” As humans, we intuitively know that there is “something more” to the life we live. Many go to extreme measures seeking purpose and identity. I know. I’ve been there…feeling like I didn’t fit in, I wasn’t good enough, like I was an invisible entity lurking in the shadows of “the beautiful people.” *
“He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.” Psalm 40:2 NKJV
“..Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1 HCSB
There is another realm, my friends; the true reality found only in the presence of Jesus our King, our Creator, our Friend. He is in the fire with you; He has always been there, waiting patiently for you to call His name.
Seasons and trials shift and fade; often we find our seared souls on the breaking point. Amazingly, that’s exactly when our God shows up, takes us by the hand, and says, “Oh my sweet child, why did you doubt?”
Our God is still the Redeemer. He is a treasure trove of endless possibilities. Look up and see the rain is coming. He hasn’t forgotten; He is never late.
Don’t lose heart; dare to ask and believe one more time.
*For more on my personal journey, check out the award-winning book, “Joe Gross is Dead,” available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.