True Vine

John 15: 1-2 - “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more.” (RSV)
      Experiencing some hardships that just keep surmounting? Feel like you have gone from the frying pan directly into the fire? Each new level bringing you yet another new devil? Count it all joy! Yes! Joy! Jesus tells us that as long as we are connected to him we have life- for he is the living true vine and we are his strong branches. Our strength is given to us through the renewal of our faith and our following his commands. Jesus promises that our life will be one of richness and abundance. That might not necessarily translate itself into riches, fame and fortune; but the richness embraces a wealth of peace and joy in knowing that we have our sins forgiven, the surety of salvation and promise of eternal life.
      Just as a gardener cuts the stray and weak branches off of a prize rose bush in order to make it strong and bear heartier blooms; so does God prune us to allow our gifts to manifest more readily and with greater promise. For the best results gardeners often prune bushes down to a very low stump. To the untrained eye it might appear as if the plant has been destroyed, but the skillful gardener not only knows when to prune, but with what instruments and how far to cut to allow the bush to thrive. God is the master vine-dresser and he knows just when your pruning season is most effective. He also knows which tool (trial, tribulation, adjustment, challenge) to use for the best results. Most of all he knows just how much you can bear and he prunes you to the place of your greatest deliverance. Many joke and say – “that which does not kill you - only makes you stronger”. In a way it is true; but God never intends to kill, hurt, harm or even embarrass us. His intention is always for our greater good and his ultimate glory.
     Each time you believe you are just at your ropes’ end. Remember it is just God pruning you for even better, grander and more productive fruit bearing. So tie a knot on the end of your rope and just hang on!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn