By Kimberly Andrich

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.” ~ John 15:1–2

Staying Connected

We have a maple tree in the middle of our backyard. This tree had formed into two trunks, equal in diameter, until an ice storm covered the tree and its branches with heavy ice while the wind caused a rift down the center of the lower part of the trunk between the two portions of the tree. In an attempt to save what appeared to be the more viable half, we sawed off the half that seemed to have less access to the roots and therefore to the water and nutrients that it needed to grow and survive.

That spring and summer, a small branch began to grow in the area we had cut off. I watched it and resisted the urge to break it off. That small branch has proven that it is alive and well. The tree is feeding it plenty of water and nutrients for it to not only survive but thrive. From a trunk still marred by the damage, a healthy new limb has formed and is now nearing the height of the rest of the tree.

God’s Life in Our Souls

Sometimes we sustain damage in this world. Sometimes “pruning” is gentle, but other times what we experience feels more substantial. We may want to cut ourselves off from God because the pain seems too much. Jacob, fearful of reuniting with Esau, was left with a limp after wrestling with God but, in relying on Him, found the courage to face his brother and return to the Promised Land (Genesis 32:23–31). Like Jacob, we may live with scars, but God’s life still flows through our veins and our souls, bringing new life and new fruit.

Our challenge and our lifeline is to remain in God and allow Him to remain in us, united with Him, whatever may come.

Prayer:

Lord, sometimes life is hard. Sometimes pruning feels painful. Help me to remain in You, whatever may come, and trust that I will bear fruit through abiding in You.

Call to Action:

Surrender your life and your difficulties to the Lord, voicing your trust that He will never leave or abandon you even if you feel cut off.

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