The young student, recently transitioning into college life following graduation from a private Christian school, was by nature introverted. He avoided drawing attention to himself. However, during a group discussion, the professor veered off-topic from the class subject and began attacking the Bible, presenting falsehoods about the Word of God.
Introverted or not, this was unacceptable for the student. Recognizing the need for action, and with no one else taking the initiative, the young man raised his hand. He stood up to defend the Word of God. Instead of using his own words, he quoted and referenced chapters and verses from the Bible. This effectively ended the conversation.
How could a kid, just beginning higher education, challenge the intellect of a seasoned professor with years of life experience and schooling? It happened because this young man had spent hundreds of hours memorizing Scripture since early childhood. He was deeply rooted in the Word, with his foundation firmly built upon it.
God reveals Himself to us through the pages of Scripture. Through the accounts in the Bible spanning thousands of years, we learn to trust God. We see how He can work even in devastating events, ultimately bringing about good from them.
Paul wrote, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, NKJV). We must delve deeply into the Bible, memorizing it, pondering it, and relying on it. Because of his dedication to the Word, when the enemy attacked, that young man responded with Scripture deeply rooted in his heart.
The psalmist declared, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3, KJV). “He” refers to the man whose “delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2, KJV). He is a blessed man. He doesn’t gain wisdom from the counsel of the ungodly. He is rooted in the Word.
Banning Liebscher said, “A foundation always has to be bigger than the thing it is supporting. God needs to make you bigger on the inside than you are on the outside.”
Developing a root system through a personal relationship with God is essential, letting Him order our steps through difficult paths. It involves saturating our minds and hearts in His Word, which serves as “a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV).
The more we study the Word of God, the stronger our desire and hunger become for its wisdom. One verse or phrase can calm troubled waters and bring peace to your spirit in dark times. The Word is alive. It is relevant to every generation, every culture, and every people. It is our weapon against the enemy. Jesus showed us how to fight temptation by quoting the Word.
To navigate a chaotic world, to avoid being swayed by misleading teachings and deceptive schemes, and to remain steadfast during difficult times, we must be rooted in the Word. Anyone can start a race. It takes a deep root system to finish strong.
