P.S.: I recommend you listen to New Wine by Hillsong while reading this.
So in the last six weeks, I have not been able to look at plants the same way again, one of my courses is basically about all the cells and tissues of a plant, plant growth, and whatnot. Trust me it is hard to just pass by a plant and not wonder what the shape of its leaf is or whether or not it is healthy.
One day while reading I wondered what must have made Jesus talk about pruning in John chapter 15. I came to understand better that Jesus also knew that while on our Christian journey if excesses are not taken away growth wouldn’t come. So I can imagine the branch in the vine wincing in pain as the vinedresser comes with his pruning knife to cut off those parts that are inhibiting fruiting or growth.
Last month I shared a story on my WhatsApp about trimming off split ends in my hair. I didn’t want to cut off that half inch but I knew I needed to because I was losing more hair than I was retaining. After trimming I discovered I could comb my hair without tangles or difficulty. And trust me that is pure bliss, you can ask any natural hair girl you know.
That is how it is with our walk with God. A time would come when we need to shed off old habits and let go of old customs, those little sins that easily beset us because it does not allow us to sustain the gainings from our walk with God.
That is why a Christian may pray for hours unending a day, but refused to yield to God dealing with malice, gossip, or anger in their heart can cause seemingly slow and frustrating growth. Many people stopped praying because they thought they are not getting results, whereas their refusal to give up those things God is highlighting in their lives has led to no growth.
Sometimes when it is time for God to prune a part of me, it suddenly looks like the spotlight is on that particular flaw. Everyone is seeing it and talking about it. Many times I would cry to God for Him to take away those parts but it does not just go away like that. There’s a part where I would need to yield totally to Him and submit to the training.
Trust me, the pruning knife is sharp and can be painful. When going through it you may even bleed, but all this is so you can look back at the scar and see how well God has helped you grow.
His pruning may be so that you can learn how well to grow in a trait. God can decide to prune your stony heart so that you begin to walk in love. You don’t know why, or how you just find out God is shaping you so you can walk in love with others regardless of whatever they do to you.
God prunes us so we can bear much fruit. So when the vinedresser comes with His pruning knife, please don’t run away. Stay and let Him work on you. He is a gentle savior.
I want to pray with you. “Dear Jesus, today I submit myself to the pruning, I yield myself to the training and teachings you have for me. Please help me to stay with you and learn well. Help my heart submit to your careful hands so that I may become what you want me to. Thank you Jesus because I know you have heard me. Amen.”
I love you and I am rooting for you!
Yours-in-love,
Mo, The Light Bearer 🤍✨
Thank you so much for sharing Light Bearer 💡❤️
God bless you
God bless you for this message