“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 15:8 NIV
Last fall Todd prune the tree in our front yard and it has grown like crazy this year! The leaves are double the size that they were last year and there’s so many more of them. The branches are actually starting to droop because they’re so heavy with leaves. It’s getting overgrown and looking a little out of control. It’s time for another pruning!
In John 15 Jesus explains that God the Father is the gardener of our spiritual lives. When I read verse 8 of this chapter I get why God cuts off branches that aren’t bearing fruit. Those branches are a relief when they’re cut off, but allowing Him to prune branches that are bearing fruit is difficult, even painful. It’s hard to let things go when there’s still good fruit growing. Last year I felt God ask me to let go of a fruitful Bible Study leadership position to allow more time to travel speaking. I struggled with this decision; especially since I had a very light schedule booked, but I know my Father’s voice, so I gave my notice. Five months later I had spoken in Dallas twice, Montreal, Alberta, Burlington, Leamington, Windsor, Sarnia, Simcoe, London, Hamilton and Toronto a couple times. By July I was completely spent from all the incredible opportunities God brought my way.
Trust God’s leading in the pruning season. Understanding;
[tweetthis]”Our Father prunes not to take away, but to multiply!” ~John 15:8[/tweetthis]
Prayer
Father…As difficult as it is, I give you permission to prune anything in my life so it will bear MORE fruit! I trust your wisdom. You determine the seasons for the earth, and for my my life. Help me to follow your schedule and not fight it, so I can experience Your divine multiplication this year. In Jesus Name…Amen

Such a brave – and inspiring – closing prayer. May we all find grace to open our lives to the pruning love of God.
Michele, It’s my goal to #BeBrave for Him! Hoping to inspire some boldness along the way 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Praying the prayer as well. He’s simply faithful. Blessings on the remainder of your year, and may Christ be exhaulted in magnificient ways. Visiting today via #raralinkup.
Kristi, thanks for stopping by. Hope the prayer inspires you to bold faith and divine multiplication!
~Sherry
xoxo
Oh, it is so hard to let go of something…especially a good something! To trust God’s direction even when we can’t see why He is asking it of us takes so much faith. I am in a season of change in my life as well…thank you for sharing this. 🙂
Sharon, I think I’ve lived my life in a state of change 🙂 He is good to steady us when He prunes us! Praying you experience #multiplicationbysubtraction in your time of change
~Sherry
xoxo
I love this, Sherry! There is goodness in the pruning process, which reminded me of our chat the other day. I am definitely sharing. Praying for your launch! Blessings, friend. 🙂
Kelly, I’m thankful God has started this internet friendship between us! Praying you experience #multiplicationbysubtraction in every one of your pruning times. Thanks so much for your prayers.
~Sherry
xoxo
Thanks Sherry for the inspiration of following without always understanding. I have found the same results when being still and quiet enough to hear Him speak to me. Glad I stopped by today from #GraceandTruth
Thanks for stopping by Jill!
~Sherry
xoxo
Great insight, Sherry! Oh, for the faith to rest in His providence as He prunes! I’m shaking a little bit but I’m praying that prayer with you. Our God is faithful!
Carlie,
Sorry I see my reply to your post didn’t post earlier this week. A good shaking is a good thing! Leaves the best left standing. Remember it’s #multiplicationbysubtraction Blessings God’s way.
~Sherry
xoxo