Pruned To Thrive

Posted by5thgenerationgirlPosted inUncategorizedTags:

John 15:2 Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

Daily Devotion (February 2, 2021)

As I watched a bumblebee land lightly on the Russian sage, I marveled at the bush’s lush branches exploding with color. It’s brilliant blue blossoms attracted eyes and bees alike. Yet only last fall, I’d wondered if it would ever blossom again. When my wife’s parents trimmed the periwinkle plant down to a stub, I’d assumed they’d decided to get rid of it. But now I was witnessing the radiant result of pruning that had been brutal to me.

The surprising beauty that results from harsh cuts may be one of the reasons Jesus chose pruning imagery to describe God’s work among believers. In John15, He says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener…. Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (vv. 1-2). Jesus’ words remind us that in good times and bad, God is always working in us toward spiritual renewal and fruitfulness (v. 5). During “pruning” seasons of suffering or emotional barrenness, we continue to stick close to Him. “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (v. 4). As we continually draw spiritual nourishment fron Jesus, the resulting beauty and fruitfulness in our lives (v. 8) will show the world God’s goodness.

By Adam R. Holz

Father, help me to trust You during difficult seasons in my life, knowing that You are at work to bring beauty and change.

Published by 5thgenerationgirl

Tammy Wynette is a mother of three and a “G-MA” (grandma). Born in Warren, Arkansas, she currently resides in Sacramento, CA and is pursuing an AA degree in English at American River College, with plans to transfer to California State University, Sacramento (Sac State). She is an active leader and role model in her community, she works with teens sharing and teaching poetry, as well as providing insight for young parents to prosper. She has certificate from NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) and is a trailblazer & Griot, keeper of stories/traditions passed down from her ancestors. As an Author and motivational speaker it’d be an honor to present at your events to inspire, encourage & let our VOICES be heard! She has short stories and poems published in Our Black Mothers Brave, Bold and Beautiful!

25 thoughts on “Pruned To Thrive”

  1. This is a beautiful passage, Tammy. Filled with such wise and, pardon the pun, sage advice! The imagery is so appropriate and I see this in my and other people’s lives too. Thanks for sharing this. I needed to see this today.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Your welcome, it stood out when I first came across it I thought of my husband vanishing w/o word. People didn’t understand why I wasn’t distraught, so I
      ‘d share this with them. I’m glad it helps with your day my friend.

      Liked by 2 people

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  3. This is indeed a powerful devotional Tammy. We have to go through some painstaking difficulties in order to remove those dead, fruitless areas that stunt our growth. 🪓🔪✂ May you continue to soar as you go through your seasonal pruning process, because each of us needs this process, whether we like it or not, in order to be the creatures God needs for us to be! 🦅💝🕊 Thanks so much for this reminder QT! 🙏🏼

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  5. Pingback: Pruned To Thrive – Tonya LaLonde

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