It has been several years ago now, but recently God reminded me of this day – and the blessing of times of purging. None of us enjoy purging or cutting away of things, yet it is part of God’s plan for us – if we are to grow in Him and arrive at our appointed destiny.
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:1-2)
The Amplified says it like this.
I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.
If we are to continue to produce excellent fruit – pruning or purging is essential. That being said, isn’t always about us. Let me share a story with you.
One day Kelita told me she was going to ‘clean up’ our mailing list. An email list I had spent 15 plus years building. I trusted her, so I said okay. The next day when I saw our new email list, I was shocked. I called and said, “what in the world, this is half our readers.” To which she said, “Kim, it’s okay, I only purged the ones who weren’t engaged or opening the emails, all our faithful people are still here.”
To be honest, I was not happy at all. For days I complained to God. One day He spoke to my heart about this matter and how pruning was necessary if we were to continue to bear good fruit in our ministry. He reminded me that the numbers meant nothing. I just needed to continue to follow Him.
That pruning cut out all of the readers that were not bearing fruit. That were not engaged or interested in growing with our ministry. Pruning is necessary, we see that in the natural aspect of pruning trees and shrubs. Why do we prune them? This is what I found online.
Pruning trees is essential for maintaining their health, safety, promoting growth, and preventing disease. Pruning removes dead, diseased, or damaged branches, which can prevent the spread of disease and pests. By eliminating these weak points, trees can focus their energy on healthy growth.
Isn’t that so good and so insightful.
I have gone through seasons of pruning or purging many times in my life. Sometimes God is pruning things out of me like bad attitudes or wrong thought processes. He purges bitterness, offense, and even disappointment. He does that so I can continue to bear excellent fruit. I am so thankful that He does. Remember in the Amplified version it says He repeatedly prunes. It is a life-long process.
Yet there are other times He prunes friendships, associates and other people in my life.
Those times are difficult. However, I keep in mind, He is doing this for my good. He knows something I don’t know. He knows those people do not want to go where He is compelling me to go. I have learned not to fight this process. I have learned when God closes doors, don’t try to push them open. I have discovered He is doing this that I may bear more fruit and grow in Him.
I don’t know why God reminded me of this story and had me share it but perhaps it will speak to someone. Maybe God is doing some pruning or purging in your life. If so, He is not trying to hurt you, He is only making sure you continue to bear fruit. Perhaps, He is pruning people out of your life, if so, there is a reason, trust Him.
This I learned during that season. When God is done purging, you will begin to rebuild on a solid foundation. One that cannot be shaken. God added much more than we had before – He is all about increase. While one would think if their numbers decrease, so would the incoming finances – however, that was not the truth. As we allowed God to do a continual purging, our finances increased. I don’t know how He does it but I do know He does all things well.
Don’t avoid or fear the pruning or the purging. Trust God. He knows exactly what He is doing.
