Pruning

When I garden I am always reminded about God's working in my own life. In John 15 God the father is called the gardener. He keeps the vine healthy and growing.

Today I had to do a lot of clearing of weeds. God has to clear the weeds out of my life. The weeds are the ways in which I allow sin to creep into my life. The ground looks so nice when all the weeds are gone. Healthy growth can happen. When I am cleared of sin healthy spiritual growth can happen in my life. Spiritual weeds can choke out the healthy growth.

I have to prune plants. I get rid of growth that will not produce fruit. I clear away dead branches. There are many times in my life when I go through difficult times. God uses those times to get me back to basics--back to fruitful activities that will be used for God's kingdom.

Those times are hard on plants, but today I stood back satisfied with the changes in the garden and the lawn. I had a peaceful feeling. I am sure that God looks at our lives and he loves to see the growth he helps to produce as we go through the ups and downs of life.

The end result of God's pruning in our lives is our spiritual health and vitality.