For my post today, I really want to type the entire chapter of John 15 and say that those words are what I am thankful for. Instead, I’ll encourage you to open your Bible and read them, chew on them, and let them teach you whatever it is you might need to learn.
I’ve been experiencing a lot of pruning in my life recently. It hurts. But it hurts in a way that brings joy. Never can I experience true joy until I let God pull from me what is keeping me from being whole. The pruning is painful. The end result is beauty.
Every time I try to serve, love, or make a decision on my own, God reminds me (with his gentle pruning) that without Him, I am a frustrated, exhausted, confused mess. “…apart from me you can do nothing” is what Jesus tells us in John 15:5. Yes, Lord, you are right.
And so, because I continually need to learn so that I can become more fruitful, I am very thankful for the pruning I receive. Is it unfruitful, Lord? Then please chop it off, cut it out, throw it away. I know it will sting. I will likely be sore. I may have to rest while I heal. But get rid of it. I just want to be fully yours.
Share how God is working in your life on your blog, then come link up with us here. If you don’t have a blog, be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you’re grateful for! Please read through the Gratituesday Guidelines so that you understand what kinds of posts you can link up to share here. Posts that are linked but do not fit our Gratituesday theme will be deleted.
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I always enjoy reading your posts! Thanks for providing a space where we can be grateful!
When I find myself thinking about what I could write to show my gratitude for Gratituesday, I know I’m being blessed by your website! I always enjoy your testimony and thoughts. Thank you.
Wow. That’s an amazing chapter, and contains so many riches, and so much depth. Thank you so much for encouraging us with it!
Good post Laura. Sometimes the pruning in my life is not so gentle. Molding and shaping, that is my ernest plea. Have a wonderful day and Happy Gratituesday
I love John 15!! Yes, I know what that pruning is like as God has been pruning in my life too.
Thanks for the linkup today.
Soaking John 15 into my soul this morning thanks to your nudge. Blessings my friend:)
John 15 is probably my favorite chapter in the Bible!
Thank you, Laura, for your honesty! I so appreciate you sharing how the Lord has been working in your life. God is good!
Amen. :)
Amazing! Those are the very words that God has been using to draw me closer to Him for several months now. Verse by verse, He is teaching me to die to myself so that I may live…truly live, with unencumbered freedom that only comes from remaining connected to the vine. It brings tears of gratitude to my eyes to know that He loves me enough to do prune me.
Oh, peaches!! One of my favorite foods! I would love, love it if you would consider sharing (link) it on the “EOA’ Wednesday Link-Up today. And also thank you for hosting your link-up! I appreciate you :)