“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:1-8
Jesus used examples that everyone was VERY familiar with in the natural. The people of that day totally understood the work of the vineyard. Today on my long walk I passed several vineyards. One vineyard was already pruned, and the next had not been pruned. If you invite the Holy Spirit to walk with you the lessons will be non-stop. Scripture after scripture will roll through your mind. (That is if you are well acquainted with the scriptures.) The above scripture was so apparent as I walked by these vineyards. The lesson continued with what happens in our lives and our many seasons of life. If the Lord is taking you into a new season – pruning will be taking place. We have to let go of the things we thought were productive but in actuality are no longer producing anything. And we have to allow new things begin to grow and take their place within our lives. The entire time we must allow the work to be with His leading and instruction, because without Him – we cannot be fruitful at all. So what is the Holy Spirit asking of you? Are you headed into a new season? Is the Master vinedresser doing some big pruning in your life? Is He asking you to step into new areas? Is He asking you to let go of certain relationships? Is He bringing new people into relationship with you? Is there evidence of new growth in your life?
Is Jesus / the vine giving you new life for this next season? Have you asked Him what He wants to do in your life in the next season? What is this fruit He wants you to bear? New disciples? New relationships? New creative projects?
Do you take the time to meet with the Holy Spirit each day? Do you look forward to that time? Have you found it to be the best time of the day for you? Do you find the conversation with Him leaking into many others moments of your day? This is the growth He desires, where HE is able to guide you and show you His divine appointments.
Pruning may not feel good, but it is necessary for a fruitful life.