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 15:2, NIV

 

There is a tree in our garden that has not been doing very well recently. Some of its leaves and branches have browned, and its overall appearance shows that something is wrong. My husband has made every effort to restore it, including all kinds of plant potions.

 

During a visit, my dad – an avid and seasoned gardener – explained that while treatments might help, we ultimately needed to cut off the dead branches. There were so many that doing so would make the tree look misshapen and, quite frankly, ugly. I was sceptical. Wouldn’t the “medicine” we were feeding it just heal the whole thing?

 

He explained, “By leaving these dead branches attached, they are stealing the nutrients the tree still has – including everything you’re giving it to help it thrive again.”

 

I couldn’t help but see how true this is of our own lives, exactly as Jesus describes in John 15. We are called to remain connected to the True Vine so that we may flourish. Yet there are seasons when we must allow God to cut off what is no longer good – things that drain us of the nourishment we receive from him, stealing our joy, our peace, or our ability to hear his voice.

 

This scripture also reminds us that there are times when we need to be pruned so that we can grow even more. These moments often involve obedience that feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar.

 

I wasn’t happy about cutting off the dead branches. The tree stands at the front of our home, and I worried about how it would look – uneven and exposed. For a moment, it felt easier to leave the dead branches in place so the tree could still appear whole. But in doing so, what was lifeless would continue draining what was still capable of growth.

 

Let us remain connected to Jesus, the True Vine. Let us allow the Gardener to cut off anything that keeps us from what he wants to do in us. And let us yield – joyfully – to seasons of pruning, trusting that our Heavenly Father is faithfully growing us into a fuller reflection of his beauty and glory.

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to trust you in seasons of pruning. Give me the courage to let go of what no longer brings life. May I remain connected to you as you shape and grow me. Amen.