Pruning Has a Purpose
I’m a city girl born and raised in Los Angeles, California. But as a teenager, my family and I moved to Mexico. Specifically we moved to a “colonia,” meaning small town, that was less than two hours away from the border that neighbors San Diego. We moved because of various circumstances - such as financial struggles, ministry opportunities, and a family member’s deportation.
I remember being surprised by the many differences including the scenery, language, and culture. What surprised me the most was the change of pace and rhythms. I quickly realized that my usual comforts and conveniences weren’t as common or accessible. Some days our internet at home would randomly stop working. Other days, the electricity would go out in the entire town, especially during a rainstorm. Hot water wasn’t always available. Moving to Mexico included many moments of pruning. I didn’t know then that there was a purpose or that the pruning was actually good for me.
Pruning is an essential principle for the life of a Christian.
I didn’t grow up farming. Most of my upbringing didn’t include a backyard or land to explore. This is one reason why understanding Scripture can be complicated, specifically the parables and stories based on agriculture. Maybe you can relate.
Growth requires pruning. Sometimes Jesus needs to prune certain areas of our life. Sometimes pruning looks like going to counseling or joining a recovery group like I did. Sometimes pruning means deleting apps and decluttering our lives. Sometimes pruning requires changing certain habits because they aren’t healthy or holy. Sometimes pruning means letting go and moving forward.
Three years ago, my husband and I moved to Kentucky. It is, yet again, wildly different from what is familiar to my comfort zone. But this city girl is more and more aware of the necessary growth that takes place when Jesus cuts back what needs to be pruned in my life.
I’m still adjusting to the different climate and seasons, especially the frequent thunderstorms in the summer and the frigid winter. I’m still adapting to my new job, a new church, new friendships, and all the changes that come with moving out of state. But I cling to the truth found in Ecclesiastes 3:2 that there is a season for everything, even the rain and gloom. There is a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted. For instance, moving to Mexico led to learning Spanish during my teenage years. Now, I serve in my church’s ESL ministry in Kentucky where we serve over 100 Spanish-speaking immigrants in order to help equip them with language proficiency to thrive as well as to share the Gospel with them in their native language. I now see the purpose in the season of growing pains.
I don’t have a garden or farm. But as I water my fiddle leaf fig house plant, I think of the words of Jesus found in John 15 and I am filled with contentment and hope.
In verse 11, Jesus concludes by stating, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy be full.”
Pruning can feel a lot like loss. You may be experiencing a gloomy season filled with heaviness or hardships. Whatever season of life you’re currently in, remember that you are not alone. Even in moments of isolation or despair, the Lord holds you firmly yet affectionately. In John 15, Jesus adds, “I am the vine; you are the branches… Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love.” Remain connected to Jesus, the True Vine, the source of your dependence and sustenance.
We experience joy when we walk in obedience. Sometimes God calls us to go. I’m realizing now more than ever that sometimes God calls us to stay even when we don’t want to. I know what it’s like to experience deep sorrow, grief, and pain.
If you’re experiencing loss and grief, the Lord will sustain you.
If you’re feeling inadequate or overwhelmed, the Lord is working in you.
If you’re a mother or wife feeling defeated, God is still with you.
If you feel stuck and have no idea what’s next, God is not done working.
God is good and knows what’s best for us. He loves and cares for us.
No matter the season of life you’re experiencing right here and now, I pray that you remember these two principles: pruning does have a purpose and it’s for your good.
