Process of pruning

September 25-26

Process of pruning     

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. Philippians 3:12

Typically, there are plenty of things which are relatively easily resolved. We pray, perhaps reach out to someone to join us in prayer, and the Lord picks these issues off one by one, so to speak. That’s all great, but then we get to some of the problems which are harder to reach. Some things are just not that easily resolved. Then there are some hurts, pains and even sinful behaviors which have become so much a part of us and seem woven into the very fabric of our being which requires a godly pruning for them to be removed.

These deeper issues require that we press into God. It requires more than an early morning prayer. Maybe you need to set aside some time for prayer and fasting. We need to persist and not lose hope, especially because those things which lie deeply entrenched in our hearts are important to God. He is in the business of rescuing us to the uttermost and He is intent on conquering the very depths of our hearts. And once we meet Him in that deep place, we discover more of His love and His power in our lives, perhaps even in ways we thought were inaccessible to us before. Hallelujah!

So be encouraged and don’t give up. The fact that some issues in your life don’t get resolved as easily as others does not necessarily mean that you’re doing something wrong. It does not mean that God is unable to help. It simply means that you are like everybody else: wonderfully intricate and rather complex. God knows just how to reach in, but it may take time. Be encouraged that God is on it and wants to meet even your deepest needs.

Prayer for today: Loving Father in heaven I thank You for all that You have already changed in me. I trust in Your pruning process in the areas which I still struggle with. I ask for help and strength to carry on. Thank You that You know and care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.