Author Darlene J. Conard

As I observed, the workers carefully removed the apple tree’s branches. I couldn’t understand why they were dismantling something so beautiful. The tree’s delicate white and pink blossoms had always brought joy to the picnic area, filling the air with a gentle, calming fragrance in the spring. Now, their absence left me feeling disappointed and disheartened. I realized that my negative reaction was due to my lack of understanding. It wasn’t until later that I discovered the purpose behind this process — pruning. The men only did this to ensure the tree’s future growth and survival. I would have to wait until next year to witness their beauty again. This year wasn’t their time.

In a spiritual sense, I felt a deeper connection with the idea that if those trees could scream out in pain, asking, “Why have you cut my branches?”  I could relate. Just as the men knew exactly how and where to cut, God knows exactly when and where to remove things from our lives. He has to. Pruning is an indication of fruitfulness. For the trees to bear fruit again, they would have to be pruned.

Mark 2:22 says, “No man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.” “It can’t be done. Human nature kicks in to do things our way prematurely. We step in with our thoughts and ideas. God requires us to walk in spirit and truth.

God deals with people, but it takes time.

Saul, surnamed Paul, encountered the two-edged sword on his way to Damascus. Deep within, he honestly thought he was doing God’s service. Jesus’ appearance blinded him. (Acts 9:1-9) We go through pruning not because something is wrong with us but because we want to know what is right. God knows much more about lay dormant than we are aware of.

Through trials, I have gained more than I lost, which initially didn’t make sense to me. We will receive an honorary position. The Almighty Creator Himself puts us before the small and great, saying, “They have glorified Me well.”

God permitted Satan, knowing that Job was fruitful and would not lose his luster or faith in Him.

Jesus stood silent before Pilate as he searched deep within himself for the right questions. How would he unlock Jesus’ silence? He was wise. His refusal permeated truth into Pilates’s physical authority. “Don’t you know I have the power to crucify You?” In response, Jesus answered,” You could have no power at all except it be given from above.” John 19:9-11

Satan only has the authority that’s given from above to test us.

Be encouraged knowing that God is in control of our lives if we allow Him to be.

^“ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish. My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024. This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

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