Ecclesiastes 3:1: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (ESV)
I am entering a new season in my life. A time for me to cut back on my activities and focus even more on my children, particularly since I am homeschooling them. I am enjoying this new season - teaching and watching my children learn how to read, write, and add. I am overjoyed when I hear them recite their memory verses each week - sacred scripture to help them live their lives for the Lord.
I am a little hesitant about this season as well, because I know pruning is involved. Yesterday, we had our trees pruned. At first, I thought the tree-trimmers were trimming too much off of the trees, but once I viewed the end result, I loved it. No longer broken and unruly, they are healthy and nicely shaped. I know this is what the Lord wants for me. He wants me to be whole, and not broken; healthy, and not diseased. I'm a little hesitant because I don't want to feel pain. He's already bringing up past insecurities and rejections to the surface and I don't like the emotions accompanying them. But if this is His will, then so be it.
Jesus says in John 15:2 "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." I would rather be pruned and bear more fruit than to be "gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned." (verse 6).
Enter faith. I have faith in my Lord. I know He is pruning me out of love so that I may be productive for His purpose. How do I know this? Romans 8:28 says "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Also, Philippians 1:6 says "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
I know in my heart this pruning is what is best for me. It will loose strongholds keeping me from His work and better prepare me for His purpose. I also know in those times of sadness, anger, and reflection, He will be there for me, comforting me along the way.
4 comments:
Sounds like He is pruning 4 a purpose :). Nicer trees, more fruitful life. Thanks, Joanna.
Selah the Scribe
"I don't want to feel the pain." So true, and so common. We resist Him when He takes us to the pain. Yet, when we yield, we discover the pain isn't as horrid as we thought. Facing our pain is so powerful. It frees us. Thank you for this post, Jo.
Joanna, this message is "Right on Time" for me. My mother just pruned the trees and bushes in her yard. At first I thought her efforts were over the top. Afterwards, her garden looked marvelous. I awoke this morning to the sound of TD Jakes preaching on "the Pruning Season". I got on my computer and found your message. GOD IS GOOD! Your message is awesome. Yes, I too am going through the pruning season and thanks to YOU and TD, I can now appreciate what GOD is doing in my life. I, like you, would rather be the vine that God is pruning than the vine he casts out into the fire. Bless You for this message !
Anonymous: Thank you for your comments. I'm glad you found my blog to be helpful and encouraging. I pray you are continually blessed, particularly through this pruning season.
Blessings,
Joanna
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