Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Just as winter is necessary to bring forth the new life of spring, so it is with our lives. Seasons of difficulty bring forth an abundant harvest of rich growth if we patiently wait and endure. Some of the most lush and beautiful growth takes place after a much needed season of pruning.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:1-2;4)
Sometimes life is difficult; it seems that change and adversity greet us around every corner. We may ask God why we have to go through these dark and dreary seasons but receive no clear discernible answer. Don’t grow discouraged! Perhaps God is trying to prune away that which is hindering our spiritual growth and ability to bear good fruit. Pruning takes time – we must be patient while we wait.
Waiting is like winter – almost unbearable! But just when we think we can bare it no more, God gives us hope. Like the Crocus of spring, we began to see God’s handiwork emerging in our lives. God hasn’t forgotten us after all.
At first we see only a small glimpse – a glimmer – but it’s just enough to provide encouragement to endure a little while longer. Eventually, the full excitement of spring bursts forth in our spirit when, like the flowering trees and budding plants, a bountiful harvest of fruit emerges from our lives.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
There is a purpose for each season God allows into our lives, so let’s embrace each one.
