The Purpose of Pruning - Part 2

Jen Stone-Sexton
5 days ago
4 min read

You were created to flourish…but sometimes growth begins with pruning.

In Part 2 of this blog series, I’m sharing how the pruning seasons in life are often the very ones that prepare us for greater fruitfulness. If you’re in a season of letting go or being stretched — this is for you.

In the devotional blogs, The Soil of Your Heart and Cultivating a Fruitful Life, I focused on the aspects of soil and how soil impacts quality and growth, the soil of our heart, and how the Fruit of the Spirit is cultivated in our life. In the parable of the farmer planting seeds, Jesus talked about seeds and the quality of the soil in Matthew 13:1-23.

Are you a gardener? If so, then you understand the parallels between gardening and life. Pruning plays an essential role in the healthy growth of a plant as well as in a person and a fruitful life. In this two-part devotional blog, I would like to discuss another important aspect involved in a cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit.

In The Purpose of Pruning - Part 1 we looked at Pruning by The Word and in Part 2, we look at Pruning by Circumstances.

I give credit to Beth Moore in her well written Bible study, A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place for the following two-fold concept on pruning. In John 15: 2-3 Jesus said,

“Every branch which is part of me but fails to bear fruit, he cuts off; and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes, so that it may bear more fruit. Right now, because of the Word which I have spoken to you, you are pruned.” (John 15:2-3)

Agriculture is a vital aspect to life in Israel, so Jesus spoke in terms that the people could understand. In order for a vine, a plant, or a garden to grow, it must be pruned. Because The Lord loves us, He will prune us. He prunes so that we may produce much fruit. How does He prune us? One way is by The Word. A second way we are pruned is by circumstances. Let's focus on pruning by Circumstances.

Pruning by Circumstances

Pruning by The Word can be much less painful than the second method of pruning, which is through our circumstances. The reason why God prunes us in the first place is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. To accurately reflect the Fruit of the Spirit of God living in us. (Romans 8:29). One of the methods the Master Gardner uses, is our circumstances.

“Regard it as joy when you face various kinds of trials] for you know that the testing of your trust produces perseverance. But let perseverance do its complete work; so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

If we can view the temptations we face, and the trials we experience, with a perspective of joy, that perspective will encourage us to remember the purpose: so that we may be complete, whole, and lacking in nothing. We can trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God through the process of pruning.

“And I am sure of this: that the One who began a good work in you

will keep it growing until it is completed.” (Philippians 1:6)

With that in mind, how can you look at your life - the pleasant circumstances as well as the challenging, difficult circumstances, and painful circumstances - in such a way that you see the refining process of God skimming off the dross so that you reflect the image of Jesus Christ? The qualities and characteristics of the nature of God instead of your own human nature?

“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with His purpose; because those whom He knew in advance, He also determined in advance would be conformed to the pattern of His Son”

Romans 8:28

When we have been successfully pruned by the Master Gardner, in addition to reflecting the image of Jesus Christ and bearing much fruit, what other result will we reap? John 15:9-13 says Joy. Pure, complete joy!

Pruning produces pure joy and an abundant, fruitful life.

I invite you to take some time for prayerful reflection and ask God to speak to you through His Word. God's pruning strengthens and empowers you to grow and flourish in a fruitful life! May you be blessed and rejoice in bearing much fruit!

Questions for Reflection: Are there areas, attitudes, or actions that need to be pruned from my life in order for me to grow? What are those? Am I willing to surrender them to God so that He can help me flourish and thrive?

Prayer: God, thank you that you love me enough to give me your best. When pruning is hard and uncomfortable, help me remember the purpose and to surrender to your divine design as the Master Gardener. Empower and strengthen me to bear much fruit! Thank you. Amen.

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Editor's Note:

This devotional blog is by Jen Stone-Sexton, Christian Life Coach, Author, Speaker, Teacher and Founder. Jen has openings for a select number of new clients. Learn more about Jen and what Freedom to Flourish Life Coaching has to offer you.

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The Purpose of Pruning - Part 2

You were created to flourish…but sometimes growth begins with pruning.

In Part 2 of this blog series, I’m sharing how the pruning seasons in life are often the very ones that prepare us for greater fruitfulness. If you’re in a season of letting go or being stretched — this is for you.

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