Pruning

“I am the true vine, and 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[a] so that it will be even more fruitful." (Jn 15:1-2)

I cut back a big bush along side the driveway at my home. It was getting so big it was scratching the cars as we pulled into park. You had to let people out in the street before you pulled into the drive. Elsewise they had difficulty getting out if they sat on the passenger side of the car.

We trimmed the bush way back, like 30% of its former size. I hoped I hadn't killed it. I hoped it would grow back in full at its reduced size. As I watch, parts are growing while others still seem to lie dormant. The thought crossed my mind that God and that bush know what to do to survive and thrive.

As I continue this fast I sometimes feel unimpressed with my progress or my spiritual life. My mistake is to make this about me. I have lost some weight. I feel more energy. I believe I am thinking more clearly. But I sense I've bottomed out on any deeper benefit.

I continue to pray for others, but I have no breakthroughs to report other than one encouraging story which might lead to a breakthrough. In sales an agreement to go deeper into a relationship with a company offering services is a breakthrough of sorts and that happened this week. It's not money in the bank, but it's encouraging.

As I wait and watch the bush and it's slow progress, I realize that I am making progress and my prayers are as well. It's slow and tentative. I moves in some ares, but others lie dormant. I think the bush and I can trust our bodies to God. The Father who prunes us knows how to make us thrive.

Dear Father in heaven, thank You for pruning me, cutting back on fruitful areas to make me more fruitful. I wait on You with hopeful expectation to see what You have planned for us. Help me to be content in my waiting. Help me to enjoy waiting on You so My strength might be renewed. In Christ, Amen.