Bonsai trees are interesting plants. They require regular care and pruning to stay their diminutive size. I always thought they were tiny varieties of trees, but they are actually normal trees carefully pruned to stay small.
One thing I learned in reading about them is that every two to three years they need to be re-potted. During this process the root ball is mostly cut away, and they are placed in a new pot. This is done to force new roots to grow, and so the plant maintains vigour.
The same can be said for our walk with the Lord. Every now and then we need something that forces us to grow new roots so our faith can maintain vigour. Those things that throw us for a loop and seem, in the moment, to be hurtful and even painful, actually allow us to maintain vigour in our relationship with God.
No matter how we’re being ‘repotted’ in the moment, our root ball of faith is never taken away. It’s that foundation that allows our roots to spread out and grow, and become stronger in the new soil. And it really is amazing how these challenges can invigorate our walk!
Colossians 2:6-7
(6) As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
(7) Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
1 Peter 4:12-13
(12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
(13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Of Faith & Fortitude 
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