Rooted in Christ

Sep 1

September Scripture Challenge - Week 1

Fall For Jesus - September 2025 Scripture Challenge

As we step into September, the air is starting to shift, the leaves will soon begin to change, and a new season is upon us. Fall has always reminded me of God’s faithfulness in the changing seasons of life. It’s the perfect time to start our September Scripture Challenge: Fall for Jesus.

This week’s focus is Rooted in Christ. Healthy roots are the key to any tree’s growth and survival, and the same is true for our spiritual lives. If our roots aren’t deep and strong, we won’t be able to withstand the storms, droughts, and challenges that come our way. But when our roots are planted firmly in Christ, we not only survive—we flourish.

I’ve always wanted a Japanese maple tree in my yard. I love the deep burgundy leaves and their graceful branches. I’ve planted three over the years, but none of them have survived. Looking back, I realize it wasn’t the tree’s fault—it was mine. I didn’t water enough during the summer, and I didn’t protect the trees during freezing winters. My lack of care meant their roots never had a chance to grow strong.

I’ve discovered the same thing in my spiritual life. When I neglect God’s Word, when I let the distractions of life pull me away from prayer, when I forget to trust Him with the hard things, my roots aren’t healthy. I wither instead of thrive. That’s why I started these monthly Scripture challenges—to tend to my roots, to spend just 15–20 minutes a day drawing nourishment from God’s Word.

This week, let’s explore five verses that show us what it really means to be rooted in Christ.

Day 1 – Trust in the Lord

A tree planted by the water doesn’t have to worry about where its nourishment will come from—it has a constant source. Jeremiah reminds us that when our trust is rooted in God, our lives are sustained no matter the season. The heat will come. The drought will come. Life will bring trials and hardships. But when we are rooted in Him, we remain green, alive, and fruitful.

I’ve had seasons where I’ve felt stagnant and unproductive, frustrated at my lack of spiritual growth. But just like roots that develop slowly underground, unseen by the eye, our spiritual roots take time. Trust isn’t something that grows overnight—it’s cultivated over time as we lean on the Lord again and again.

Day 2 – Established in Faith

Roots don’t just hold a tree in place—they provide stability. Paul urges us to be rooted and built up in Christ so that we are strong, established, and overflowing with gratitude. It’s not enough to just be “planted.” We need to continue to grow.

I think of the young trees in my garden. For the first few years, they needed to be staked to protect them from strong winds until their roots spread deep enough to hold them steady. Spiritually, Christ is our stake—the one who holds us upright as our roots grow stronger.

Where has God planted you? Does it feel like rocky soil? Maybe you’ve resisted His placement, thinking you couldn’t grow there. Yet God knows exactly where our roots will best thrive, even when the conditions seem unfavorable.

Day 3 – Abide in Christ

Abiding isn’t about striving—it’s about staying. A branch cannot survive on its own; it must stay connected to the vine. In the same way, our lives cannot produce true fruit apart from Jesus.

The goals of abiding are simple yet profound: to glorify God, to experience His joy, and to be known as His true disciples. But how do we abide? By staying in His Word, praying consistently, living in obedience, practicing repentance, and surrounding ourselves with other believers.

It’s so easy to treat abiding like another “to-do” on our list. But Jesus never asked us to strive—He asked us to remain. Just like a tree doesn’t force its roots to grow, it simply stays planted and receives. Abiding is resting in the presence and promises of Christ.

Day 4 – Rest in the Lord

I’ve always loved rivers and streams. They’re so peaceful, with trees along the banks stretching their roots into the flowing water. That’s the picture God gives us here—when we delight in His Word, we are like those trees: steady, fruitful, never withering.

But here’s the key: the fruit comes in season. Just like trees go through winter before spring, our lives have seasons where growth isn’t visible. Resting in the Lord means trusting His timing, believing that even in quiet or difficult seasons, He is preparing us to bear fruit.

Day 5 – Strengthened in Love

Paul doesn’t just pray that we be rooted in Christ—he prays that we be rooted in His love. Love is the soil where our faith grows. Without love, our roots are shallow. With love, we can withstand anything.

When I look back on my life, I see how both the joyful seasons and the difficult ones have grown my roots deeper in Christ’s love. Just like a tree gains strength from every storm it endures, our faith becomes stronger as we rely on His love through every trial.

How to Tend Your Roots

Spend daily time in God’s Word – roots grow in hidden, quiet places.
Pray without ceasing – like a tree drawing water continually.
Stay in community – just as trees grow stronger together in a forest.
Embrace every season – even winters prepare us for spring.
Pull the weeds – don’t let pride, gossip, or negativity choke out your growth.

Reflection Questions

Which of these five verses speaks most to your current season of life?
Are your roots shallow or deep? What’s one way you can strengthen them this week?
What “weeds” (pride, fear, negativity) do you need to let go of so your roots can thrive?
How can you practice abiding—resting instead of striving—in your daily walk with Jesus?
What fruit do you hope God will grow in your life this season?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for planting me in Your Word and love. Help my roots to grow deep in You, so that when life’s storms come, I will stand firm. Teach me to trust You, to abide in You, to rest in Your promises, and to draw strength from Your love. May my life bear fruit that glorifies You and blesses others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This is Week 1 of the September Scripture Challenge: Fall for Jesus. Download the free calendar and printable ephemera sheet to help guide you as you spend time with the Lord each day. Let’s grow deeper roots together this fall!

Carol Adams