From Anita Wood
In his book, Necessary Endings, author Henry Cloud talks about the painful, helpful pruning process. “Getting to the next level always requires something, leaving it behind and moving on. Growth itself demands that we move on,” he writes.
So—what IS God doing with me through these crazy days?? What is He doing with you? In you? Scripture speaks about pruning; God uses this process for our good and to His glory, IF we allow Him! If we embrace His ways and submit to Him; IF we desire Him more than any other thing. …for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.
Have you discovered that pruning is painful? It seems He cuts off what seems lovely and active and beneficial; that the pruning forces us to go back to the basics, feed well and stay tightly attached to the Vine. We may struggle and wiggle, hating the confines, but the end is growth! Beauty! Eternal.
I pray this pandemic time has been one where each of us finds our way back to God’s most beneficial place: one where we love and care for others; where we base decisions on His parameters, and our hearts return singularly loyal to Him.
2Tim. 3:5,” Now may the Lord direct your hearts toward the love of God, and the endurance of Christ… as we live, because we remember “The Lord is merciful and compassionate; he is patient and demonstrates great loyal love.” Ps 145:8