PRUNED

“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,” John 15:2 ESV. The first time I saw a rose bush properly pruned it stunned me. I watched as a friend hacked away at a healthy-looking plant. By the time he was finished, the pruned plant was a stick-like shadow of its former self; I thought it was ruined, but I was wrong. As it turned out, it grew beautiful and productive later that spring, pruning had made it healthier and more dazzling than ever. The LORD is faithful to prune my life when it is necessary, and so He does again and again. While it is uncomfortable to face this process each time, springtime’s bounty always comes. Father, You are the Great and Mighty Gardener, and I am the willing target of Your handiwork. I am thankful for the pruning You see fit, and I welcome Your holy work in me.