Staying Connected to JesusSample

Pruning first, growth second

‘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)

A vinedresser does not act haphazardly but proceeds carefully to get the best possible harvest. This also requires pruning. Pruning can be done in two ways: branches without fruit are cut off and thrown out. Branches that bear fruit are stripped of everything that stands in the way of good growth. Like a good Vinedresser, God does not simply remove things from our lives. He acts with loving care for what He wants to achieve in and through us.

Sometimes God denies us things to make our faith in Him stronger so that we can trust Him more. Sometimes we need to learn obedience in order to make us stronger witnesses. God will never deny us good nourishment, care, light and room to grow. Through the Father's care and the bond with his Son, fruit starts to grow in our lives. Fruit-like faith, love, kindness, patience, and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). As a result, we become more and more like Jesus: that is what bearing fruit means.

Only by being attached to the vine can a branch bear fruit. This is how it works between you and Me, says Jesus. Let the power you need flow through Me and My work will become visible in your life.

Have you experienced moments when God removed things that blocked His life in you? How do you look back on those times?