Part of a Bigger Process
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” – Psalm 139:23-24
Have you ever been in that really awkward place where conviction and impulse collide? Recently, I witnessed one such explosion, and the results were catastrophic. Innocent bystanders became collateral damage, and a 25-year friendship died instantly. In talking with one of the people involved, I had one of those “Aha!” moments. When we inconsistently measure our convictions against the Word of God, impulse wins every time. But in that moment, conviction demands a response that will potentially hurt or cost us. Be reminded though, it’s all part of a bigger process.
As God continues to work in your life, you’d be wise to anticipate the day in which He graciously starts removing things that don’t belong. This developmental process of spiritual depth is known as pruning (see John 15:1-8). To prune is to cut off dead or living parts (i.e. branches) in order to improve growth. If you’ve ever seen a newly-pruned tree, the appearance isn’t all that exciting. Similarly, when God cuts back certain things in your life, you won’t look (or feel) too good either. Be reminded though, it’s all part of a bigger process.
In pruning, God takes away those things that have served their purpose . . . those things that refuse to change . . . those things that will give you trouble in the future . . . those things that are standing in the way of something better . . . those things that are holding you back . . . those things He has not chosen for you. Because God knows what needs to be cut back and what needs to be cut off, you might be unable to explain to others why you’re even going through a particular situation. Be reminded though, it’s all part of a bigger process.
The fruit you enjoy today directly results from what you’ve invested in yesterday. So, if you want the future to be different, allow our Heavenly Father to prune you now. If it’s true that nice guys always finish last, perhaps it’s because they’re running a different race . . . a race that never ceases to remind us that it’s all part of a bigger process.
“Better to be pruned to grow than cut up to burn.” – John Trapp
Edifying, Encouraging & Enlightening,
Excelsius
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