I asked God

I asked God.
“God, root out everything in me that doesn’t serve You or me.” I didn’t ask God one time, or even ten times, I asked Him time after time, again and again. And I kept asking until I noticed things started to happen. I knew it wasn’t coincidence. That God was and is answering prayer.

The Vine and The Shears

In John 15:1-17, Jesus paints a vivid picture of what it means to abide in Him. He says He is the true vine, His Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. Any branch that doesn’t bear fruit? It’s cut away. And every branch that does bear fruit? It’s pruned to become even more fruitful.

It’s that second part that surprises us. We think bearing fruit exempts us from the blade. But it doesn’t.
In fact, it invites it.

Me – “God, this hurts”

That’s where I’ve found myself lately – in the cutting season. The pruning has come in the form of change, loss, uncertainty, and an aching in my heart that doesn’t quite have words yet. I prayed for more of Him and less of me – and He took me seriously.

And now? I’m struggling.
Because it’s hard.

The old things that used to bring comfort are gone. Familiar routines are disrupted. What used to feel strong now feels fragile. I don’t know what’s next or how we’re going to get there. I almost regret asking for growth.

The Truth

But here’s the truth:
Jesus never promised that abiding would be easy.
He promised it would be fruitful, that we wouldn’t be alone.
Above all, He promised joy – His joy – that would make ours complete. (v.11)

He also promised love. Not just any love, but a sacrificial, enduring, unfailing love.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (v.9)

The command is simple but not easy:
Abide. Stay. Remain. Trust.

God – Abide in Me.

And in the remaining, I am reminded that the vine never lets go of the branch.
Even when the pruning shears come and it feels like forever for the fruit to grow.
Even when we question our strength to endure.

It’s not about being strong enough.
It’s about staying connected.

Jesus says, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” (v.5)
But with Him, fruit will come – fruit that lasts. (v.16)
Not the kind that withers under pressure, but the kind that grows in the soil of surrender.

And so I cling to the vine, not because I understand what’s happening, but because I trust the One holding the shears.

Maybe you’re in the pruning season too.
Maybe you’ve asked God to change things, and now it feels like He’s undoing everything instead.

God Chose Us

Friend, you are not being punished.
You are being prepared.

The pain of pruning isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of fruitfulness.

Jesus didn’t call us servants.
He called us friends.
Even if we don’t see the full picture yet, He lets us in on what He’s doing.

He chose you, appointed you, and He loves you.

He’s asking you to stay close.
To keep His words in you.
To love others as He loves you.

And when it all feels too heavy, He gently leans in and asks…

Do you trust me?

Challenge of the Week

Do you trust God enough to ask Him to change you? So be it.