For this reason I fall on my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name. I ask God from the wealth of his glory to give you power through his Spirit to be strong in your inner selves, and I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ's love. Yes, may you come to know his love - although it can never be fully known - and so be completely filled with the very nature of God.

Ephesians 3:14-19

Sometimes we pray to God that He spare our lives and the lives of those we love from the perils and hardships of life. But that does not give us deep roots. We need roots that go down deep into the love of God. Those deep roots let us experience a close relationship with Him - so we will grow up to be sturdy and strong. Then when the winds of adversity blow, they won't be swept away but will stand tall as a testimony of faith.

Our Daily Bread - January 6, 2002