“For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the shoots with pruning knives, and cut down and take away the spreading branches.” Isaiah 18:5

Just like the farmer tends to his crop to produce a harvest and the sculptor chisels away the stone to reveal the beauty of his art, God prunes us to reveal the grandeur of His masterpiece.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10.

He prunes us so that we will bear more fruit.

“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 15:2.

God does not prune us because He is angry at us, nor does He prune us because the sacrifice of His Son was not enough—perish that thought! God prunes us so that we will become more dependent on Him. He does not prune us in order to discourage us; He prunes us so that we will learn to abide in Christ—the true source of life.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4.

Too often we become proud and independent. This will never lead to greater fruitfulness. God prunes us so that He is free to answer more of our prayers. Divine pruning results in learning to abide in Christ, which in turn results in the freedom to ask God whatever we wish.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7.

God prunes us so that we will glorify Him. Jesus is clear about this.

“When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” John 15:8.

As believers in Christ, we do not live to draw attention to ourselves, but to our glorious God and Savior. So, we must confront ourselves. How much fruit do we want our lives to bear? If it is our hearts’ longing to bear “much more fruit” then we must be prepared to stay connected to the vine and for the pruning that will lead us there. It may be painful, but it will be worth it in the end; for our Lord is the true vine and our Father in Heaven is the vinedresser.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1.

Praise God; for He is worthy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

–by Don Brockway