Some years ago I visited a family member in Texas. In their front yard was a tree-like plant — a member of the succulent family.

I asked if I might take a cutting from the plant to try to start one of my own… in the Midwest.

When I got home I put the cuttings in water and set them in a sunny location.

A month later they were still green, but hadn’t started to root. Three months later, still nothing. Four months later they started to turn dark and shriveled. But I decided I wouldn’t give up….

By the time another week had passed, the plant had taken root and the brown, shriveled section was making way for beautiful new growth.

Today the plant is nearly four feet tall and as healthy as a plant can be. I love it! But not just because of the time I put into getting it started.

The plant reminds me that God never gives up on us. Even when we are spiritually shriveled, He doesn’t give up. He keeps taking care of us until we finally realize all that care and provision can help us grow into so much more than what we are without Him. So go ahead and grow — rooted in the love and salvation of Jesus.