In our lives do we have problems or we are being pruned?
We know the world is broken; troubles will not suddenly disappear when we become Christians. In fact, if you did not have problems before you were a Christian, you can expect it. Jesus said, “in this world, you will have trouble, but know that He has overcome the world.” You will have trouble, but you can overcome them with him. However, some hardships or problems are blessings in disguise. Jesus said, “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.” For a plant to grow to its full potential, the gardener knows he has to cut it back and prune in certain seasons for the plant to grow fuller, bearing more and better fruits at harvest.
Pruned to bear more and much fruit
There are seasons in our lives that God prunes us for the fruit of the spirit to grow in us. Pruning is not a pleasant experience; It entails cutting and clipping away things that have no use or may affect you negatively, even though it may not be evident to us. This can be painful, especially if you do not realize what is happening. Even more painful is that even fruitful areas of your life will be pruned. Yes, that area that you think you have “locked”, will be pruned also.
As believers, we are called for the purpose to advance the Kingdom of God. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” If you are going through hardships, it is only temporary. Hold on and know that God loves us, and He is for us. Be confident in this “for we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us,” we will overcome to bear more and much fruit if we endure.