“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Cor. 4:8-9
Do you feel hard-pressed? Perplexed? Persecuted? Struck down? If you are seeking hard after God and His will like Paul was when he wrote this, you are probably not feeling this way because of sin, but because God is pruning you. And that’s not a bad thing, even if it may feel like it on the surface.
Jesus said, “… my Father is the gardener. 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 15:1-2). After the frigid winter, the coming springtime will be a very welcome time of year! Which plants, shrubs, and trees will yield the richest buds, blooms, and fruit this year? Chances are it will be the ones that have been pruned by someone who has a masterful knowledge of those plants and a plan for what they need to grow into.
I look back at rough times in my life and now recognize them as times of pruning. Why? Because the most spiritually fruitful times in my life, and for the Kingdom of God through my life, have come in the season immediately afterwards.
Is that you? Are you there? If so, rest assured that the pruning shears are right where they need to be – in the Father’s hands. Have a happy new year as you keep this in mind!