The idea of going through a process isn’t exactly fun. I hear that word and immediately think something is going to be long, potentially messy, and have several ups and downs. Rooted, by Banning Liebscher, is all about the process that David went through from being anointed in the sheep fields, to his appointment and ultimate legacy as the king of Israel. 

David was just a teenager when he was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel and it wasn’t until about seventeen years later when he actually became king. His story is filled with ups and downs - from serving Saul in the palace to running for his life while Saul was trying to murder him. What we see throughout Scripture, is that David’s life is a testament to building roots that last. 

As Christians, we are called to grow deep root systems and to produce lasting fruit in our lives. God speaks to us, and plants something in our hearts - a dream, a vision, a purpose - and it is our responsibility to steward that seed well. To provide an environment where that seed can grow and flourish into all that God wants it to be.

That’s exactly what David did - he was given a word by God and held onto that word throughout his life. He grew closer in intimacy with God every day and didn’t shy away from the secret place. We can learn so much from David’s life as we navigate the promises that God speaks over us and walk out the fulfillment of them. 

Banning speaks to three soils that God plants our lives in, in order to develop different levels of trust and truth. 

1. The soil of intimacy. 

This is where we learn to really trust God, it’s where we develop our secret place and grow in our intimacy with God. This is where we learn to trust God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. 

Intimacy isn’t easy. It means admitting weaknesses and vulnerabilities. It means coming to God with the good and the ugly and letting Him speak to those areas of your heart. Intimacy also means spending time with God - reading His word, listening to His voice, and talking with Him. 

2. The soil of serving.

Jesus served others, so we are called to serve those around us. If we want to look like Jesus, we had better start serving.

Serving requires sacrifice. It means stepping out of comfort zones and sometimes doing things you aren’t incredibly passionate about. But it’s here, while we’re serving others, that we learn to truly love like Jesus.

It’s also here in the soil of serving that we learn the importance of humility. King David was humble throughout his entire life - willing to serve Saul who was in the position that he was promised. Yet he still served him with a joyful and willing heart.

3. The soil of community. 

Lastly, we are called to the soil of community. In our Western culture, this level of community that the Bible calls us to is almost counter-cultural. Society wants us to push and claw our ways to the top, and hustle until we can’t anymore. But Jesus calls us to do life alongside one another and embrace the messy and beautiful relationships that community brings. 

It’s in community that we hold each other accountable, that we encourage one another and equip one another. Community is where you say the hard things to those you love to keep them focused on Jesus and the plans He has for them. 

Rooted came into my life in unexpected circumstances (thank you COVID), but it was so perfectly timed. It came during a season where I was acknowledging that the development of the root system isn’t always fun.  

If I’m being honest, in my impatience, when the Lord speaks something over me I want to see that happen in the next few days. Waiting is not my forte, and I don’t always enjoy the process. But God enjoys the process with me. He leads me and He guides me through it.

When we compare Saul to David. We see Saul who is known for his fear of man, a king rejected by God because of disobedience. When we look to David on the other hand, we see a man that God calls “a man after His own heart.” 

I’m not sure about you, but I want to be a woman after God’s own heart. Regardless of the process, the length of time it takes to bring things to fruition, or what the journey might be like, I have to set my eyes on Jesus knowing that a relationship with Him is the greatest gift. And that the roots He’s growing in me will sustain me for the future that He has for me. 

 If we want to steward God’s promises well and be women who are found in His Word, and secure in our callings, I would encourage you to pick up this book and give it a read! 

Have you read this book before? If so, what were your thoughts?

If you’re planning on reading it, purchase your copy here - and then drop some thoughts in the comments below!