John 15:16
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.”
Orchards are interesting places. Almost always the limbs of the trees are gnarled and twisted. During the winter months some trees look more dead than alive. A walk through the orchard in winter is a stark contrast with summer.
During the dormant period an expert orchardist appears with what seems to be instruments of torture: saws, clippers and shears. As the expert passes through the orchard, limbs are sheared off and taken away to be burned. The scene of carnage does not seem to be healthy for the fruit trees. But it is! It is this constant pruning that stimulates new growth and to produce more fruit and better fruit.
Sometimes when we are going through the dormant periods of our life, our Master Orchardist (Jesus) appears in our life to lop off those branches that prevent us from bearing the fruit He desires.
Pruning hurts! There is no other way to look at it. When we experience painful surgery in our life it is never easy ― but it will produce fruit. The Lord has never promised us a life of comfort and ease, but He has promised to make us fruitful when we follow Him. We are called to produce fruit in His orchard.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
360-570-0074
PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com