FAITH WALKERS!!!!! I pray that you all are doing well. I honestly don’t know how many people are reading these posts, but I love writing because I feel we’re all in this together and we’re a community growing in Christ.
 
Two weeks ago, I had a very transparent moment with you all and this week is no different.
 
John 15: 2 tell us, “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful”.
 
I’ve been studying John 15: 1-9 for a little over a week. I love how Jesus was using plants to demonstrate how He is the vine and God, the Father, is the gardener. In summary, Jesus was telling us how often times we need to be disciplined and strengthen in order for our character and faith to grow.
 
 I was having another week where I just didn’t feel like myself. I was feeling better than I was when I wrote the previous post, but I was still battling some things. I had talked to two really close friends of mine and they encouraged me to go on a fast to recharge and ask God for some clarity and direction. I immediately thought that was a wonderful idea.
 
I prayed about what type of fast I should go on and I heard God tell me to go on a three day fast. I stayed away from eating past lunch, secular TV programs and social media. I was constantly praying and meditating on God’s word throughout the day. I started the fast 3 days before Resurrection Sunday. Reflecting back, that was perfect timing.
 
During the fast, God was revealing to me about the pruning season. Pruning is so necessary for us to grow as believers. It’s when God selectively cuts away everything that is not elevating us or bearing us fruit as the scripture said. Many things can be pruned off such as negativity, friendships, habits, jobs, etc. Anything that is not bettering us, (or in the will of God), must be removed.
 
Sounds harsh right? Trust me, I know. I thought so too at one time. Of course we may not recognize how beautiful it is at first but when we stop and think about the goodness of God and the lessons that made us stronger….WHEW!
 
I know it may not feel so great to go through a season of pruning but think about it this way. Would you want your child to go to the next grade level if he/she didn’t understand a single thing in their current grade?  Would that do more harm than good? YES! Why? Because they aren't prepared for the next grade level. In order to reach the next level, we must learn a few things. We must ask God for direction instead of doing things on our own. We must pray against the spirit of fear. We must get rid of people who don’t mean us any good or will tear down our growth.

     Today, allow God to prune you, so that you may bear more fruit. Allow him to do the selective cutting in order for growth to take place. I know for me, at first I didn’t know what things in my life needed to be pruned, but God quickly showed me. He will show you too! If you’re already going through your pruning season, tell God thank you. This is just the beginning! You’re blessings are coming very soon but first you have to go through the steps to get there. A plant just doesn’t become a tree overnight. It first has to be planted. Be planted and rooted in Christ. Allow God to be your gardener.
 Love,
 Tyrah