I was pruning my roses today and couldn’t help to think about how the Father refines and prunes our lives. There is hope in the process because we know fruit will come.
Growth requires pruning.
Pruning requires cutting back.
Even in the pruning, there is beauty – just like these roses I cut while pruning them.
While it may seem painful at times, the pruning process is beautiful. It may feel like a loss, especially when the Father removes things from your life, but that loss will allow you to grow.
I have had to step away from some things recently (good things), but I know deep down in my heart that it’s for good and fruit will come. Have you had to step away from something recently? It may feel like loss but in the process, I hope you see the beauty in what the Father wants to do through and in you.
The pruning process may seem lonely, especially if much has been removed, but remember you are not alone. The Father is the true vine, and He is with you. He is for you.
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
John 15:4
Abide in Him and He will teach you along the way.
Jesus wants to see us rise above the pruned branches and bear fruit. He wants us to bear much fruit!
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.
John 15:16
I am so glad Jesus chose me, and you! Maybe you wouldn’t pick yourself. You don’t feel qualified, not good enough, not smart enough. Jesus says you are enough! You are valued and loved.
The pruning is not to hurt you but to keep you growing.
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
John 15:2
If you don’t see any fruit, you don’t need it.
Some branches will be removed entirely, while others will be pruned so that you can grow. So, while it may seem like the Father is removing things from your life, know that fruit is coming. Growth is coming.
Keep growing.
Thank you, Melanie, for sharing this reminder. Although it is a very hard process when God prunes, I love the growth that always follows the “cut back”. Refinement is powerful when we submit to give God authority to work in us and mold us to be more like Him.
Thank you for sharing encouragement and His word each week in your blog. It is a true blessing!
I really needed this! Thanks sis! Such a powerful word!
Thank you for sharing through your blog!!! You are such an inspiration and an encourager! This blog is a blessing!!!
You’re dancing all over my floor with this one, Mel. ❤️ Thank you for the beautiful picture- that even when it’s hard, sometimes hard is beautiful.
Thank you, Melanie! I love John 15 and messages that have to do with pruning as I feel like I have been pruned much lately…. I am sure there is more to go.