It was beautiful. Vibrant leaves. Gorgeous blooms. But it wasn't getting
much taller.
Crepe Myrtles are one of my favorite trees, so I
planted one. The single trunk soon multiplied into many and suckers
nipped at the base. It grew only a few inches by the second year. I had
to remove what was stunting its growth.
If plants could speak,
they'd say "Ouch" when pruned. They don't comprehend we're doing them a
favor. Plants grow through photosynthesis and from nutrients in the
soil, but without pruning their growth is undirected and their fruit
less than possible.
When connected to the vine (Jesus) by faith,
we also inherit the potential to bear fruit, but pruning is required for
efficiency. "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." (John 15:2)
Unlike plants who can't speak, I usually
say, "Ouch" when God prunes me. Or "Can't you figure out a better way to
get me on track?" God knows I can't grow in the right direction, at the
desired rate or produce the fruit I'm capable of without a little help
now and then. So He's pruned me through sickness, disappointment,
depression, discouragement, broken relationships, death and a multitude
of other things I'd rather forget.
But I'm taller and leaner now,
and most of the suckers have disappeared. I seldom worry and anxiety
only shows up occasionally. My trust factor is stronger, and I enjoy
each day God allows me to wake up. So don't resist God's pruning. Enjoy
it however He does it, knowing you’ll be more fruitful afterwards.
Prayer: Father, enable us to trust Your pruning, realizing You are
working to develop our full potential.
Martin Wiles
Harleyville, South Carolina, USA
Pruned
Today's Bible Verse:
"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." (John 15:2)
Pruned
Announcement:
Do you need uplifting messages? Are you enjoying
devotionals? Visit
Scriptural Nuggets and discover hundreds of messages for all occasions. A real blessing!
The Scriptural Nuggets offers it's own newsletter as well. Quite
inspiring! If you are interested in trying out this fantastic new
newsletter,
subscribe here or by
emailing us.
Enjoy!
- This mailing list is a public mailing list - anyone may join or leave, at any time.
-
This mailing list is announce-only.
This newsletter is dedicated to bringing people closer to the Lord through thought-provoking inspirational stories. It is published every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Privacy Policy:
Our Privacy policy
We will never share, sell, or rent your individual personal information and email address with anyone without your advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law.
How can you stop receiving our newsletters?
Each newsletter sent contains an easy, automated way for you to cease receiving our newsletter. If you wish to do this, simply follow the instructions at the end of any newsletter.
If you have received unwanted, unsolicited email sent via this system or purporting to be sent via this system, please forward a copy of that email with your comments to webmaster@answers2prayer.org for review.