The “Ground Is Hard” is a term I’ve frequently heard from pastors and ministry leaders in the Coachella Valley. This is code for it is difficult to grow and sustain a ministry here – it’s a lot of work without a lot of reward. I empathize with them. There was a time that I felt similarly; but over the past 21 years my perspective has changed.
When we first moved to Palm Springs, we drove around a lot, praying for the community – we still do. One of our favorite places to drive to is the Frank Bogert Trailhead – it is a quiet place that allows us to look out over most of Palm Springs. While driving up there one day, we took a different route and happened upon a little tree growing out of a big rock that was right in the middle of a lawn. That little tree captured my heart – the little tree that could. Over the years we have made a point to drive by the tree regularly, marking the passage of time. Yes, that tree in the picture above is that tree. It has not only flourished but its roots have gradually displaced the rock, prying it apart with its slow persistent growth.
This for me this represents ministry in the Coachella Valley – slow and steady – finding my place in the hard ground. Over time, the crack where I’ve taken root is being pushed apart by my growth. It doesn’t look like much from day-to-day, but that crazy tree reminds me that persistence, longevity and deep roots in Christ and the community count for something. The tenaciousness that it takes to survive in the hard ground reminds me of Romans 5:3-5 from The Passion Translation:
“Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!”
Where ever your hard ground is – rejoice for it is a place that can produce amazing things as God’s endless love cascades into us helping us to grow even more.