"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:2)
The process of pruning can seem shocking in our spiritual lives. When God allows circumstances that outwardly appear to destroy our hopes and dreams, we may humanly react like my young daughter in the garden. Not understanding the purpose behind the pain, we are tempted to believe that God doesn't know what He is doing or that He doesn't love us. However, if we learn to come to the Lord in humility and total dependence during these trying times, He will carefully shape our character into the image of His Son. In the end, the fruit of righteousness, that God desiresinall His children, will be produced from His careful and loving pruning.
Do you feel like your life is in the pruning process? If circumstances seem to be robbing your joy and causing you to doubt God's love, don't let your pain cause you to run from the Lord. Instead, run into the arms of your loving Father and allow the Holy Spirit to comfort you as God continues to perfect the good work which He has begun in you.
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)
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