Pruning Season

by Lori

Father I am struggling this week. Last year felt like a year of pruning. And I know in John 15 you said, “every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” But Father it hurts. It seems as soon as I feel like I am back on my feet, back to bearing fruit, then I am chopped again in the pruning process.

There are things in my life that I feel would not make a difference one way or another, but yet I feel your pruning. This lack of control I feel is scary, but I know this testing of my faith develops perseverance (James 1). The sinful side of me pleads, “Father there are so many people you give a ‘pass’ to in certain areas, but you never let me get away with one single thing.”

Constant pruning.

Having my heart open and raw seems to be a constant feeling. A feeling I rather do not enjoy. This week you led me to the verse about being a lover of discipline so in turn I gain knowledge. And if I do not care for disciple then that is stupid. Well Father I feel stupid because this discipline hurts.

I know

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

I praise you Father when I don’t understand why, I praise you when all I feel is your constant pruning. I praise you that you don’t give up on me, even though it hurts so much. Because as much as your pruning hurts, I think I would fear it more if I felt nothing from you.

Father forgive me if I can not produce “good prayers” during this season, all I can seem to pray is “help me, teach me, don’t give up on me (even when I want to give up).” Give me that perseverance that develops faith, and the certain joy that comes in trails so that I may become mature and complete; lacking in nothing (James 1).

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Tagged as: God Lessons

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  • I sit here at my computer crying from some pain of being pruned too. I'm praying for you. Please say a little prayer for me too. And let's remember God is in control. He loves us so much.
    Blessings in Christ
  • No discipline is pleasant at the time, but we can know it is God's tender love for us that prunes away the yuck to reveal His Son Jesus! Hang in there, my friend, and know that our God will show Himself faithful to you...
  • Praying for you, Laurel.
  • Oh Laurel! Bless you for being so transparent in this. I often worry when I don't feel the pruning, when things seem to easy, that I must not be opening myself up to Him. Because truly this is a journey to the end to mold our selves more and more in his Image. Sometimes it really is hard though, letting go of things, having things revealed. And it is hard not to feel beaten down. Praying for you sister-friend.
  • I so agree with Shalee. I know that pruning really, really hurts (and stings the eyes too)...Oh Laurel, you have been in my constant prayers, more this week than ever.
    Hold on to Him - He loves you very, very much and so do a lot of your friends - myself included...

    ((((hugs)))) & love,
    < Iris
  • Ahhh, but how much healthier, prettier and viable the plant is when pruned early. If the Pruner waits too late in the season, it could kill the plant.

    It hurts, that's for sure, Laurel. But you will bloom like you've never bloomed before!
  • Kim
    Father, I pray that you will pick Laurel up, pull her into your lap and wrap your everylasting arms around your precious daughter. I pray that your breath will breath fresh new wisdom, guidance, and direction into sweet Laurel's spirit.

    Father, during the pruning season, it's never easy, yet OH so necessary. I pray that during this season, Laurel will begin to see the beautiful new bud's that will begin to grow in her life as she rests in you, seeking you as you lead her on this new journey.

    Give Laurel YOUR peace.....and YOUR understanding....as she grips the hem of your garment.

    I LOVE ya Laurel!!!

    Kim~
  • You spoke to the depths of my soul this morning. Actually, you picked up on the conversation I had with the Lord as I drove in to work....were you in the truck with me?
    Love you! (((HUGS)))
  • Shan
    Praying for you to find peace in this time of new understanding....growing is hard! You do so encourage the rest of us though.....hugs hugs hugs
    Shan
  • May the comfort of community be a help to you, Laurel! I envision you betwixt to other women who are holding up your arms . . .

    May your "hanging on" always be to your Abba first and last BUT also as an acceptance of the support of those "trusted, faith-full ones" He gives to you when you are weary.
  • Oh Laurel, I so know how you feel! Praying you hang on in trust and faith.
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