the deep roots of winter – Part 2 – the pruning

Although I am not much of a gardener, I realize winter is a great time for pruning. Cutting back all that overgrowth prepares the shrub to grow bigger in its next season. And just like pruning is necessary for the bush, we also need pruning in our own lives.

Last week, while writing about the deep roots of winter, I discovered that this is our time of preparation. As roots go deeper in winter, we too have an opportunity to go deeper with God. Being ‘rested and ready” helps as God prepares us for our next season. Pruning is a necessary part of that preparation.

As Christians, February 17, 2021 marked the beginning of our Lenten season. Some folks like “giving up for God” as a symbol of what Christ gave up for us. Others like “adding to” as a way to enrich their lives by spending more time in prayer, volunteering, or reading the scriptures. It does not matter if you decide to give up or add to during this season. What matters is that you reflect and prepare.

“Lent is defined as the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.”

As we reflect and prepare, this might be a good time to do a little pruning. Being raised in the church, I understand “pruning” is not really a word we want to hear. It is defined as; “to trim (a tree, shrub, or bush) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth.” Pruning prepares the shrub (or us) for more growth.

Just like winter and Lent, pruning is all about preparation for the next season.   

In John 15:1-2 NIV, Jesus talks about pruning, but there are a couple things I had all wrong. Check this out.

Jesus says; “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.“

As I read this passage, there are two truths I missed.

1. God does the pruning. Not me or anyone else. God is the only One capable of knowing what stays and what needs to go.
2. In the pruning process, both good and bad branches are cut. God cuts off every branch that bears no fruit. But, those branches that do bear fruit, God prunes them so that they will bear even more fruit.

I knew God cuts off those branches that were not bearing fruit. But, I completely missed the fact that God also prunes those branches that are bearing fruit. God does this so they will bear even more. Those branches bearing fruit could be your spiritual gifts, skills, and even your ministry. Those things in your life that appear to be doing well. Ministry that may be glorifying God and blessing others.

Why would God do this? Why would God cut back something that seems to be doing pretty good in your life? Because God knows, it can be even better!

God prunes so that those things that are good can be even better!

As we begin moving toward Jesus’ final days, this is our time to reflect and prepare. Do an internal inventory. What in your life is producing much fruit? What glorifies God, and brings you and others joy? Could God be trying to prune this area? Are you embracing or resisting? What steps could you take to open up to what God is doing? Could God be preparing you for your next season?

This is our time. “I must decrease so that God can increase.” (John 3:30)  And when I do, then I can embrace all God is doing in my life. During this season of Lent, let me encourage you to reflect and prepare. Practice letting go and trusting God. Ask God to help you open your hands. Which might mean you have to let go of something in order to receive all God has for you. Because God has so much more in store for you and your life!

Let us pray:

God of all the seasons, thank you for this time of reflection and preparation. Thank you for pruning us for the sole purpose of growing us more. Help us to open up and receive everything you have for us. Trusting that You want the very best for us. As we journey toward the cross, help us to understand Jesus, His life and the sacrifice He made for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

P.S. – Join me next week as we learn deeper ways to reflect and prepare. Feel free to leave me a comment below letting me know what God is doing in your life. Be sure to share on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next week, be blessed. -M