Rooted in God

There are a lot of great parables in Matthew 13! I think verses 20-22 do a good job explaining how easily we can fall away if we aren't deeply rooted into God's Word. The NLT words it well:

Matthew 13:20-22 NLT
20The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 22 The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.

These verses show how it is really important to "summer-proof" ourselves, or really proof ourselves for any time of the year. We need to make sure we are spending time with Him daily, so that he can give us the strength to get through the tough spots in life. It's encouraging to know however that if we listen to and obey God he will always provide a way out. When we slip, He will pick us up again and help us to endure

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT
12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.