Last summer we planted rosebushes in the backyard in honor of my Abuelita—my grandmother. She was like a mother to me, and even though she died 10 years ago I still miss her terribly. Wild and sweet-smelling roses grew around her house. The roses I was planting would be a beautiful and constant reminder of her—a tribute.
But soon after I planted the bushes, I was distraught when they didn’t grow. I thought I had accidentally destroyed them. But, after many weeks, I spotted a blossom, and then another, and still another! I was joyful as I watched the roses bloom all summer. Then came the first frost and the frigidity of winter. The flowers withered and it was time for me to remove them. Before I lopped them off and pruned some of the branches, however, I apologized to them. I was sorry to hurt them and I told them they’d thank me later for the pruning. (Yes, I talked to the plants.)
Just like I had to prune the rosebushes to foster annual renewal, sometimes God needs to do some pruning in us. Even though it’s painful and we don’t welcome it, He “prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more” (John 15:2). His aim isn’t to hurt us, but to conform us into the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29) and for our blessing and growth (Job 5:17).
Maybe you’re going through a difficult time. You’re struggling and wish the hurt and discomfort would simply go away. You can’t see how the difficulty is benefiting you or anyone else. That’s understandable. Yet, if you’re being pruned, you can look to the future with great expectation. God is making sure that you bear even more fruit. He’ll never waste your pain and suffering.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 9:1-19
More:
Read James 1:2-4 and consider what good can come from the troubles we face.
Next:
How has God used difficult times to grow you as a person? What can you do to experience peace and joy even when pruning moments come?
Gary Shultz on October 20, 2015 at 6:05 am
As your article indicates pruning, the time of trial and discomfort, is when we are positioned to grow and learn. Whether it was just a response or a picture, talking to the roses is just what God does for us. His promise of growth and gain, His careful hand and close eye guide each cutting experience. Unlike the roses; however, we can mess the whole process up ourselves. God has good plans, but we resist and miss the growth that was to be ours. Its a weird thing to feel the cut and know the good is coming, the pruning becomes the door to blessing. Thanks
Tom Felten on October 20, 2015 at 8:54 am
Marlena, I’m reminded of what a dear friend who had lost a son in a tragic car accident once said to me: “Don’t waste your pain.” God can use our pain and challenges to touch the hearts of others and to bring them to Himself!
Winn Collier on October 28, 2015 at 5:41 pm
The pruning can be very painful, though, can’t it? I’m discovering that there really is no way to avoid suffering.