--ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER, IN JESUS NAME!

~~PAINFUL PRUNING~~

"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch
that does not bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
---(John 15:2)--

~~Last summer we planted rosebushes in the backyard in honor of my grandmother. Wild and sweet-smelling roses had grown around her house. The roses we planted would be a beautiful reminder of her.

I was joyful as I watched the roses bloom all summer. Then came the first frost. I knew it was time to lop off the roses and prune the branches.

Just as 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 us so we "will be even more fruitful" (John 15:2). His aim isn't to hurt us, but to conform us into the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29) for our blessings and growth (Job 5:17).

Maybe you're going through a difficult time. You're struggling and wish the hurt and discomfort would go away. That's understandable. Yet, if you're being pruned, you can look to the future with great expectation. God is making sure you bear even more fruit, for His glory. He'll never waste your pain and suffering. ~~
--ODB/MG~ --"Graves Into Gardens"// (feat.Brandon Lake)=Elevation Worship//<https://youtu.be/mPhJdvf8Zvg>
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