As I’m pulling weeds, planting flowers, and transplanting ground cover today, I’m reminded of John‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭5‬,

““I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. He cares for the branches connected to me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches and pruning every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest. The words I have spoken over you have already cleansed you. So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine. “I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless.”

John 15:1-5 TPT

It’s in love that I pull these weeds
It’s in love that I trim the ivy
It’s in love that I care for this land
In time, plants will become established
But they will always need to be weeded
They will always need to be refreshed, pruned, and fertilized.

As children of God, are we really that different? No one wants to go through a season of barrenness but in this season, he’s rebuilding, repairing, reviving, and restoring me. Pruning isn’t much fun but it’s totally worth enduring the process. God prunes us in love, that is how we know and discern it’s from God.

My encouragement if you’re in a tough season, is to embrace the process, because our transformation in Christ is lifelong. Remaining attached to the vine isn’t just about getting to a season of flourishing and promises fulfilled. It’s about relinquishing control and fully submitting and trusting that God’s got this. I know for me, things are happening that are affirming God’s call on my life. This would not have come about without the barren season we’re moving out of.

Stay the course, don’t throw it all away now. Remain in the word, obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. When we abide in Him, He will abide in us so remember, you’re not alone in this.