Deep Roots, Bold Love, Ready to Go
Rooted in God’s Love: How to Step Into What’s Next With Bold Faith
Have you ever felt stuck between seasons—unsure of what to do next, where to go, or how to move forward? Maybe you’re graduating, starting a new job, facing a tough decision, or entering a new chapter of life. These moments can be exciting—but they can also feel overwhelming.
This week at Noel United Methodist Church, Pastor Cory Gieselman delivered a powerful message titled “Deep Roots, Bold Love, Ready to Go.” It reminded us that the strength to take our next step in life doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from being rooted in God’s love.
Let’s explore what that really means—and how it changes everything.
What It Means to Be Rooted
The sermon’s foundation came from Ephesians 3:14–21, where Paul prays that we would be strengthened in our inner being and rooted in love. But this isn’t just a feel-good kind of love. It’s deeper. It’s eternal. It’s God’s love.
To be rooted means we are grounded in something strong and unshakable. Just like a tree with deep roots can withstand storms, when we are rooted in God’s love, we can stand firm through life’s changes.
Roots are quiet. They’re not flashy. They grow underground where no one sees. But they are what hold everything up.
“You don’t have to be perfect to move forward—you just need to be planted in the right soil.”
God’s Love Isn’t Earned—It’s Given
One of the biggest takeaways from the sermon was this: we don’t have to earn God’s love or wait until we’re “good enough” to follow His calling. That’s not how grace works.
Paul prays that we will understand the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love. He says it’s bigger than we can imagine. It’s wider than our fears, deeper than our doubts, and higher than our hopes.
This kind of love doesn’t show up when we’ve figured everything out. It shows up before we even know we need it.
Why Perfection Isn’t the Goal
Many of us think we have to get everything perfect before we take a step forward. We wait until the timing is right, the plan is set, or we feel ready.
But faith doesn’t wait on perfection. Faith moves.
“We try to get everything just right before we act—but God says, ‘Go, I’ll be with you.’”
This isn’t about rushing or forcing things. It’s about trusting that even if we don’t feel ready, God’s love is already at work within us. Like the sermon said: You already possess what God needs from you—you just don’t know it yet.
The Strength Within You
Ephesians 3:16 says, “I pray that… you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through His Spirit.”
That kind of strength isn’t physical. You won’t find it by lifting weights or pushing harder. This strength comes from God’s Spirit working inside you.
It builds resilience. It helps you stay steady when life gets uncertain. It reminds you that you are never alone in your journey.
And here’s the best part: this strength is already within you. You don’t have to find it—it’s been planted in you through faith.
Bold Love That Moves
Once you’re rooted in love, you’re ready to move.
Paul doesn’t just pray for strength—he prays for boldness. A bold love that speaks up when silence feels safer. A bold love that gives mercy before it’s even deserved. A bold love that looks like the cross.
We’re not called to keep God’s love to ourselves. We’re called to live it out—in our words, actions, and relationships.
Whether you’re walking into a new school, facing a career change, or navigating uncertainty, God’s love goes with you. Not just to comfort you—but to move through you.
You’re Not Starting From Scratch
Many people think they’re starting from nothing when a new season begins. But the sermon reminded us of something powerful: You’re not starting with a blank slate—you’re starting with a promise.
“God’s imagination exceeds our own. His purpose outweighs our resume. His timing will always disrupt our plans. But His plans are better.”
When we are rooted in God’s love, we carry that love with us into every new beginning. We step forward, not empty-handed, but full of His Spirit.
So… What’s Next?
At some point, each of us has to make a choice. Door one or door two. Move forward or stay still. Trust or hesitate.
You may not feel ready. But remember: readiness isn’t a feeling. It’s a truth that comes from knowing you are rooted in God’s love and emboldened by His grace.
Let This Be Your Next Step
You don’t need a cap and gown to start something new. Maybe your next step is a conversation you’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’s starting over. Maybe it’s saying yes to a calling or simply trusting that God isn’t finished with you yet.
Whatever it is—you’re not walking alone.
Want to Go Deeper?
If this message spoke to you and you’re looking for your next step, check out our Messages page at Noel to watch more encouraging sermons and resources for your faith journey.
For a deeper dive into Ephesians 3 and understanding the power of God’s love in your life, you might also enjoy this article from Enduring Word:
👉 What Does It Mean to Be Rooted in Love in The Context of God’s Mystery?
Reflection Questions
Use these questions to think, journal, or discuss with someone you trust:
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What areas of your life feel “unready” right now? How might being rooted in God’s love help you take the next step anyway?
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Have you ever tried to “earn” God’s love through actions or perfection? What would change if you accepted that love as a gift instead?
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What does bold love look like in your everyday life? Where could you be more courageous in sharing God’s love with others?
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How can you remind yourself that you’re not alone in a new season—even when it feels uncertain or scary?
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What’s one step you can take this week to live more rooted, more bold, and more ready?