Pruning

The other night I was in bed and trying hard – very hard – not to think how painful my hip was. Pain can be so demoralizing; it can make your world feel so small. Well, while lying there, I decided to comfort my heart and listen to a reading of John chapters 14 and 15 on my iPhone. When Max McLean (that’s who was reading) got to John 15 verse 2, I was struck by the words of Jesus where He said, “Every branch that bears fruit, He prunes so that it will be more fruitful.” Yep, I could say that the biting pain in my hip could be likened to the biting blades of pruning shears. And just what was God pruning? Well, how about me lying there on the edge of grumbling against God, thinking my pain was too much. Hey, there’s no need for a complaining spirit. When God prunes us, He always has better fruit in mind – for my life, your life, and for His glory.