A Prayer From “The Branch.”
(John 15:1-8)
I am humbled by this statement, “…and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”
Help me, Abba Father, never to despise Your “every.” Was there fruit? Was there hope? Was there right desires? Was there beauty and a heart yearning for You and a faith that my life could be poured out for Your glory? Then I must be purged. For it is every fruit producing and sustaining bough that must know the cut of the Husbandman’s sheers.
Do not tremble, heart of mine, at the pain that comes with the cut. Would I circumvent His purposes or thwart the beauty of His ways? My Father knows best…and desires to give far more than I can even imagine for myself. This may hurt for a time, but lay still in His hands and draw deep into the Vin
e and find all the healing and strength you will ever need. He is able to work on my behalf. He is able to perfect that which concerns me. Fret not at the process; chafe not at His way. It will be a complete work, it will be a beautiful work, it will be an abundant work.
Let the wind play with your leaves and the sunshine of His presence caress your face. Enjoy the close communion of the Vine and know that He is doing all things well. Trust Him, to complete what He has begun in you. Rest in Him, that all is working together for your good. Anticipate the joy that is set before You, as You allow the Vine and Husbandman to have their unhindered way with you.
Do not pity me dear Christian, beloved family members, loving friends…who’s hearts ache with mine as I suffer the blow, the pain, the loss. Do not let your spirit be troubled as you watch my productivity come to an apparent end and my present usefulness disappear like a wisp of smoke into the air. It is not some terrible tragedy, some twist of fate, that is beyond the eye of my Master. It is not some strange thing that holds me in its grasp – rather – it is nothing less than the kind eye and expert hand of He Who loves me and desires to develop me to my full potential. It is not the destroyer’s hand that does this – it is not his will that prevails against me. No…it is the eternal work of my precious Father that holds me fast and delivers the rending…He is not harming me, but rather preparing me to hold the abundant LIFE that will flow from His beloved Vine through me. He is strengthening me, so that I might bear to His eternal glory, much fruit.
6 Replies to “A Prayer From “The Branch.””
Yes!! Excellently said! Such a blessing to read. You always express the thoughts floating around in my own heart so well. Thank you for faithfully using your God-given gifts.
Thank you for encouraging my heart to WRITE and to share. You are truly a kindred spirit 🙂 KJ
Wow, Sis. As one of those family members whose heart aches with yours for all you and your family have suffered and still suffer, I am overwhelmed with God’s grace in your heart that can utter such beautiful sweet words of surrender. It makes me simultaneously cry and yet marvel as I note the stillness in your spirit. From the deep places, He is gifting you to write inspiring truths to share and encourage – and I thank Him for that.
Love you sis – thank you for the uplifting words!! You have so often encouraged my heart 🙂 KJ
Thank you so much for this. I’m always trying to see Gods blessings in everything I go thru. This has helped me see another whole aspect of how God is making me a better me.
I am so happy to know that! It was quite eye opening for me as well. Sometimes I felt like I was in the “naughty corner” and couldn’t get out. I was studying John 15 and as I meditated on the relationship between the Vine, the Branch, and the Husbandman, it struck me that it was EVERY branch that was fruit bearing. Not the ones that were useless. Not the ones that were diseased. Not the ones that were struggling to produce. Rather – it was every single fruit-bearing branch that would know the cut of His shears. Not to punish us. Not to “teach” us something – but to free us to grow to our maximum potential! Amazing Father! It brings alive Ps. 119:71 “It is good for me that I have been afflicted…” Love you and your family!!