Spiritual weakness among Christians is one of the signs that Christ is soon to come. “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” Christians will have “a form of godliness,” but will deny Christ’s power to save them from their fragile faith. 2 Timothy 3:1, 5, NKJV. What is the solution to this predicament?

Jesus gave His disciples a parable to help them if they should ever find themselves in this condition. He spoke about a farmer who sowed seed in a field, and said, “The seed is the word of God.” Luke 8:11. As the Holy Spirit brings truth to our minds, we might respond with spiritual lethargy. Jesus said, “Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth . . . and because they had no root they withered away.” Matthew 13:5, 6, NKJV. A plant needs to penetrate deep in the soil to find nourishment. Likewise, without a good root system, Christians endure “only for a while.” Matthew 13:21, NKJV.

Hidden from sight in the soil, roots secretly feed the life of the plant. When we are shut in our closets, praying to the “Father who is in the secret place,” we form an invisible union with Christ that nourishes the spiritual life. Matthew 6:6, NKJV. By searching the Scriptures with much prayer and relying upon Christ in faith, we allow Jesus to penetrate deeper into our minds until the whole intellect is captive to Him. “There is to be imparted a new life, and that life is to be nourished by the Holy Spirit. When there is a spiritual union with the Lord Jesus, He will move and impress the heart. He will lead, and in the life there will be a growth of fellowship with Christ.” Testimonies to Ministers, 486.

May we allow Christ “as a root” to continually grow deeper into our lives! Isaiah 53:2.