God’s seasons have profound physical and spiritual ramifications. The more in tune we are with the season that we are in, the better aligned we are with God’s purpose and the less frustrated with our state in life!
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. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 15:1-4
In our success-oriented culture, we love and aspire to be like those who can do it all without slowing down a bit in life. However, when we look at the nature, God has designed it that even the earth takes a break. In Fall and winter, the vegetation goes into quiet existence. It stops producing new leaves, fruit, or flowers. There is even the loss of dead and diseased leaves. In addition, Gardeners use this time to prune dead or useless branches. Those leaves and branches had a purpose in the past seasons, but they are no longer beneficial.
Similarly, we go through fall and winter seasons with God. He examines our branches as an expert gardener, and He knows what has not been fruitful in our lives. He cuts off those unfruitful branches. He also cuts off the branches that have had some fruit, but he prunes them to bear more fruit.
Are you willing to slow down and allow God to speak to you about what needs change in your life? The Lord will bring to our attention those things that have become diseased in our lives and have caused emotional, mental, or physical baggage. It is time to shed everything that impacts our spiritual health and wellbeing. It is time for God to prune those things, in order for new life to grow. We cannot hold on to the past but expect new and fresh growth.
What is God speaking to you about the branches that have become diseased or unfruitful? Are you willing to look bare and give up those branches? Can you say “no” to relationships or activities that have not produced good results without the fear of feeling lonely? Who do you need to forgive so you can cut off the bitterness in your heart? Can you live without the need to impress others, so God can do a deeper work in you? Are you willing to cut off murmuring, complaining, and gossip and trust God’s work in your circumstances?
If we are believing God for better things in the future, this is our opportunity to believe God’s good purpose in our particular season and not be afraid of the change that it requires. I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
