When you prune correctly, you encourage healthy growth and flowering (in the case of flowering plants), as well as good looks.
This also applies in our lives as Christians, we have read it several times on many commentaries and devotions; heard it on many sermons and preaching series.. its something that every true believers experienced.
The Vine and The Branches (John 15:1-2)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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.
Pruning is painful.
When God Calls Me, I have experienced many of these cuttings already, from the tiny stems, little twigs and branches. It is difficult... but possible by His grace.
Just recently, God told me that I needed to be pruned again, but this time, it's not just an ordinary branch but a big one, connected to the trunk -- that was a very big part of me.
It crushed my heart and my whole being; I wanted to appeal...
God, isn't there any other way? Isn't what I have already surrendered enough? Can You just ask me other things, add more tasks on my duties in the church, send me wherever... will You?
Being a disciple, in following Jesus, He should be our first priority.
Even if it's painful, difficult and misunderstood...
With broken heart and in pain, I obey.
It was the most painful surrender that I have experienced so far... but I submit; I know that though I am in pain now, it will be over soon...
While in tears, He reminded me:
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth, comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. - Romans 8:18
Today, I'm taking one step at a time, I am still hurting, but God is always there to remind me that He is here with me and will always be with me.
I just look forward to what comes next... will there be any flower to bloom on spring? Though there is a big cut on the trunk, will a branch grow again? Can it still bear fruits?
To follow Jesus is a decision that demands the utmost seriousness and commitment. It will take everything that we have, and even more... the will of God will be our first priority.
He is the number one - by far! No person even comes close.
It crushed my heart and my whole being; I wanted to appeal...
God, isn't there any other way? Isn't what I have already surrendered enough? Can You just ask me other things, add more tasks on my duties in the church, send me wherever... will You?
Being a disciple, in following Jesus, He should be our first priority.
Even if it's painful, difficult and misunderstood...
With broken heart and in pain, I obey.
It was the most painful surrender that I have experienced so far... but I submit; I know that though I am in pain now, it will be over soon...
While in tears, He reminded me:
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth, comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. - Romans 8:18
I just look forward to what comes next... will there be any flower to bloom on spring? Though there is a big cut on the trunk, will a branch grow again? Can it still bear fruits?
To follow Jesus is a decision that demands the utmost seriousness and commitment. It will take everything that we have, and even more... the will of God will be our first priority.
He is the number one - by far! No person even comes close.
