I normally write and publish my two blog posts on Fridays when my wife is away at her small group and playing canasta at a friend’s house. We also do one daily devotion together before we start on our own.

This year, we have been reading “Charles F. Stanley’s Trusting God with Today.” Yesterday’s reading was in verse 2 below. It was my turn to read. I knew I had to share this with my fellow bloggers.

Pruning Tools

15 ¹ I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. ² Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.

“When we serve God faithfully, we may be shocked and confused when He allows adversity in our lives. After all, we are obedient to Him – shouldn’t He reward us rather than allow us to experience pain? But realize that He doesn’t allow challenges in your life for harm. Rather, He permits them because He sees the immense potential for fruitfulness in you, and He wants you to rely increasingly on Him. If He didn’t prune you, you would eventually fail under the weight of your own success.

What can become especially disorienting, however, is how the Lord prunes you. God may work through hurtful remarks, false accusations, people manipulating situations for their own benefit, and great challenges that seem potentially devastating. But remember that you don’t choose the tools God uses; He does. And the tool will most likely be sharp, painful, and unavoidable. This is because loss is always a part of the pruning process. However, don’t get distracted by the method. Remember, He is working for your good. Through it all, pray, ‘God, I’m yours. No matter what happens, I trust you.’ Because He will make you fruitful if you’ll just endure.”