Pruning in Our Lives

    I often get moments of reflection or inspiration while working in my yard.  I have had a growing love for gardening and often remark that the first man was a gardener.  In fact, George comes from the Greek word for "tiller of the soil" or, as we'd say it, farmer.
    Just earlier this week I spent some time "dead-heading" the spent rose blossoms in our yard.  We had thirteen rose bushes and eleven of them are climbing roses.  When we arrived home from our trips to Minnesota and Texas in May, our bushes were in full bloom.  Now, however, many of those once beautiful roses have died and new blooms are coming.  The task of anyone who cares for roses is cutting off the old blossoms who are no longer blooming.
     In John 15:2, Jesus told the disciples that every branch that did not bear fruit would be taken away BUT that every branch that bore fruit would be pruned so that it would bear more fruit.  It is the same with our lives.
     Every life is a mixture of "toil with peace and rest" as the old Swedish hymn records.  Life is not one continual high without any discomfort.  In a world where entitlements have become something of the "new normal", Jesus speaks clearly to us to say that even when we bear fruit there will be pruning in our lives so that we can bear more fruit.
     I love reading biographies of believers who have gone before us.  One of the common marks of their experiences is the disappointments, tragedies, and moments of waiting each of them experienced in their lives.  Contrary to what some believers would suggest about the Christian life, there will be times of "pruning" in which what appears at the moment to be a step backwards, turns out to be preparation for something better to come.
     Today you and I can rejoice that the One who redeemed us is ready and able to sustain us through any dark moment and is "behind the scenes" to bring glory to Himself and blessing to us.  Our responsibility is to continue abiding in the Vine because without Him we cnanot bear more fruit.  Praise God for His provision for our lives!!!