THE VISION OF THE TREE

By Mike Arnold — Some people have asked me why we call our faithful contributors “Root Partners.” To be sure, it doesn’t really have a “ring” to it! For us, though, it’s a label of great honor, and our use of it is faithful to a vision given to me by the Lord.

     The vision He gave me a couple months ago was of a growing, fruitful, healthy tree. It may sound strange, but God communicates to me from time to time – not really (yet?) in an audible voice, as He did with a number of leaders in the Bible, but instead it’s usually with indelible images. Occasionally these images are accompanied by words. I have never shared these with many people, other than my wife and close friends, but I’ve been encouraged to share this one with you.

 

Root    Partners

     When I was given this vision I had been in prayer and dwelling on all the growth and blessings that have been taking place in the CTO ministry. In my prayer, I asked the Lord for guidance. My heart’s desire is to reap a mighty harvest for the Him, to bear as much fruit as possible for His kingdom. We have been blessed so much in this regards, and we are growing better than I ever expected. Yet there are just so many paths we could take from here!

     God promises to direct our path if we trust in Him fully, and it was this direction I was seeking. I’ve learned by experience that His direction can come in lots of different ways. Sometimes it comes by miraculous provision; other times it’s by what he takes away. Sometimes it’s by opening doors; other times it’s by closing them. Sometimes it’s loud, bright and obvious; other times it’s a still, small voice. Sometimes it’s words from a friend; other times it’s words from Scripture. Sometimes the path it spells out is comfortable and easy; other times it’s painful and hard. But He always gives us direction – and it’s up to us to listen for it, and to follow. When we do, we can be sure that, whatever comes our way, we are on the right path, right where God wants us. On this path is where we see miracles, and have peace and joy beyond understanding.

     This time, He answered my prayer for direction by giving me the vision of the tree. I was startled by how vivid the picture was that He showed me. It was as if I were standing in front of a beautiful, lush, green tree, loaded with ripe fruit. It was clear to me that this was a picture of what He wants Cross Trail Outfitters to become. I’ve always been a “visible” sort of guy – I like to see the product of my efforts first-hand. So when I saw this vision, I was excited and said, “Yeah, God, this is awesome! This is just what’s been burning in my heart. Just give me direction, Lord. How do we get there from here? What do you want me to do?”

     At that instant He made it so I could see underground. Beneath the tree was an enormous root system, as big as the “visible” part of the tree. I could see the inner workings of this living plant, how the roots were absorbing life-giving nutrients from the soil and passing them up through the trunk, through the branches, to produce the fruit. When the wind blew and the branches stretched and strained, the roots remained solidly planted, anchoring the tree into the fertile ground.

     Then He told me, quite clearly, that for a tree to bear fruit it must have a strong root system. A tree may produce some fruit for a season without good roots, but it will never last for the long run or weather any storm. He then told me something even more profound. He said that with our human eyes and values system, we give honor to the “visible” part of the tree; that we give credit to the branches for the fruit. But God sees the whole thing, and He gives the credit to the whole tree. Roots are just as much a part of the tree, just as blessed by Him, as any other part. He told me that for this ministry to grow to the extent that He intends, that I need to focus on growing our roots in proportion to the “visible” part.

     This vision and words from the Lord struck me deeply. Coming from a business background, I used to view financial giving as a “transactions” – a fair trade of “this for that.” In ministry it doesn’t work that way. While some Christian organizations try to appeal to us on that human basis – offering various perks, merchandise and recognition in exchange for “gifts” – it’s not Biblical. The very first missionary, Paul, lived on support. He didn’t bring back trade goods from Corinth for those from Macedonia who funded his work there. Instead, they knew what God showed me: That those who provide the nourishment and support for a fruit-bearing ministry – the roots – are just as vital, valued and blessed by the Lord as those on the “front lines” – the branches. Each faithful participant in the ministry – whether behind the scenes or in public view – is equally called by the Lord, and is equally storing up treasures in Heaven as a result of their faithfulness.

     I hope this explains the name “Root Partner.” We truly see our supporters as full partners in our ministry. YOU receive credit from God for every life we touch and soul that is saved through the efforts of CTO. The marketing professor from my MBA program would probably tell me that we’d grow faster if we had a more “catchy” name than Root Partner and offered perks to those who give, but who cares? Strong trees grow slowly, and I know God will bless our faithfulness.

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