Dear Church,

A week ago, I saw the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula for the first time. I was there with my family when we noticed something wonderful. As our boat coasted quietly along the cliff base, we came to a separate pillar (Chapel Rock) soaring high above the surface of Superior. Reaching even higher, a lone white pine stood tall at the top. Despite the absence of deep soil, the tree has been flourishing there for 250 years. Its strong roots reach boldly across a 12-foot chasm where a bridge of stone used to be. The stone has long crumbled, but the roots remain suspended there, drinking deeply from the dark soil of the forest on the other side. I am reminded of Jeremiah 17:7-8:

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.

Are you feeling the heat in life right now? Is this a year of drought for you? The secret to flourishing is not usually just about finding better terrain. It’s about sending out your roots to the rich soil of the gospel and drinking deeply of the living water of the Spirit wherever you’re planted. When we flourish where others fear to tread, the result is truly stunning.

May you experience life to the full this week.

Kyle Chase, on Behalf of the Elder and Minister Team