pruning

I want my entire life to be a testimony – not merely moments of it. I want the fruit of the spirit to be manifested in my life.

How does this fruit grow? Precisely ... by pruning ... a painful process. Pruning requires cutting and cutting hurts. I do not like to be cut; I like to stay whole – the way I am – not altered.

Thoughts about pruning:
1. Pruning can be a tiresome process; it can seem to take forever to rid a tree of all that is dead. If completed regularly, however, this task is much less daunting and drastic. The same is true of my life: when I allow the Lord to prune me periodically, the process is less time consuming and extreme.

2. Pruning cannot be done by the tree itself. The owner must prune his trees. Likewise, I cannot prune myself; my Maker must prune my dead and undesirable parts.

3. Pruning may bring a temporary stunt in growth, but when the process is over, growth surges forward and the tree is livelier. Similarly, when I allow the Lord to prune areas of my life, overflowing growth occurs.

Pruning is a painfully difficult part of Christian life, yet it is necessary for growth. Prune me oh Lord; cut off all that hinders my growth. Please be gentle, but if force is needed take the liberty to use it. My life is in your hands and I want to grow strong through your guiding touch.