When I’m preparing my flower beds for the winter season, there is always pruning that needs to be done. Old growth and branches that are not bearing fruit need to be cut off. There is a lot happening in the winter garden that we don’t see on the surface because it is taking place down deep. All of this deep change is in preparation for new growth that is coming in the spring. In our own lives when we are preparing for growth, there is a pruning that also needs to happen.
Growth can be delayed or hindered when we hold onto old mindsets or patterns of behaviors that keep us stuck in unproductive cycles. For most of us, deeper work usually involves letting go of unforgiveness or the record of wrongs that we have held onto to protect ourselves from being hurt. Other pruning might involve recognizing unrealistic expectations that we have for ourselves or others. When we are willing to dig deep and partner with God in the process, transformation can occur.
One year for Christmas a friend gave me a beautiful Amaryllis plant in a box. The blooms were beautiful that year. But the next year the plant only had green leaves, no blooms. After several months, I decided that it was time to put the plant outside in the garden where it had plenty of room to grow. Not long after I had transplanted the Amaryllis, I noticed one day that it was full of blooms! I heard God say, “It’s out of the box.” Are there boxes that you have been living in that are keeping you from experiencing new growth in your life? Sometimes the fear of the unknown is enough to cause us to settle for the comfort of what we have known. Jesus talks about this process in John 15:1-2,
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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 we make room for change in our lives we can experience the fruitfulness that God has planned for the next season. The pruning process may bring temporary discomfort, but the beautiful outcome is worth the work!
Steps in Pursuit:
1. Are there negative mindsets that you have about change that delay growth?
2. What boxes may feel safe, but are limiting your ability to stretch and grow in some new ways?
3. This week be intentional in surrendering one thing that needs to be pruned from the old season.
