Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

John 15:2 KJV

My beautiful daisies were spent. There were more brown and dried blossoms than new white ones. It was time to freshen them up by removing the old blossoms.

Pruning does more than improve the overall appearance of flowers. It is a necessary activity to keep plants healthy and productive. Taking away the old means all of a plant’s energy can go toward creating new growth.

In John 15, Jesus uses the image of a vine dresser to illustrate the same concept in a believer’s life. God will remove barriers to the continued growth of His kingdom. That sometimes means taking the pruning shears and snipping away sin, bad habits, and other unproductive practices. Anything that would drain our spiritual lives must go.

The next time you experience a change in circumstances, consider how God might be using it to shape your growth for His ultimate glory. A career shift, a diagnosis, a crisis, or a personal challenge can take on a completely different look when viewed through the lens of our Lord. As Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, if you are a believer, He can take all circumstances and work them for your good!

Prayer: Father, shape my growth for the good of your kingdom. Help me to trust Your plan.