Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil.  It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.  But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  Mark 4:5-6

Those who are like a rocky place hear the Word of God and immediately receive it with joy.  But then they get persecuted because of the Word and quickly fall away or become discouraged, because their roots are shallow.

The roots of a plant have several functions from getting the necessary nutrients to providing a strong anchor for the plant.  This can be visibly seen when looking at a palm tree in a hurricane.  It can withstand the storm, literally being slammed side to side, because its roots are so deep and secure.

We all experience aspects of rocky soil in our lives.  This can be evident when we have immediate excitement for God’s word and what he is doing in our lives but then our initial excitement fades as quickly as it came so we end up swaying between trusting God and trusting ourselves.  Furthermore, we may not understand that trouble and persecution can cause our roots to grow deeper.

Do not let your hearts be troubled, you believe in God; believe also in me.  (John 14:1)

So, how do you get the rocks out of your life?  It requires other people being in our lives.  When we’re planted in a good community we can be open and vulnerable with the people around us.  They can identify the rocks in our lives and help us to remove them, so that the Word can grow deep roots in our lives.

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