Scripture Focus: John 15:1–2, 9–11
“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” – John 15:2 (ESV)
When Growth Feels Like Loss
Let’s be real: pruning doesn’t sound fun. Whether it’s a dream, a relationship, a job, or even a habit we’ve grown attached to—when something gets “cut back”, it stings.
But here’s the beautiful truth straight from Jesus: God prunes us not to punish us, but to help us flourish.
And yes, that’s easier said than lived. But when we begin to know the heart of the Gardener, we can trust His pruning shears.
What Does Pruning Look Like?
In the garden, pruning means cutting away anything that’s dead, diseased, or even just in the way of better growth. The same is true for us spiritually.
For Christian women, pruning might look like:
- Letting go of unhealthy attachments
- Ending a season of busyness so you can rest
- Losing a role or opportunity you once loved
- Being convicted by God’s Word to change something
Sometimes, the hardest part is when something was good—but God still removes it. Why? Because He sees what’s next. He’s making room for more fruit.
Pruning Is a Sign of God’s Love
Jesus says in verse 9, “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love.”
That means even the hard parts of our journey are wrapped in love. The pruning isn’t random—it’s purposeful. It’s tender. And it always, always comes from a heart that wants our best.
In fact, God prunes the branches that are already bearing fruit—not because they’re failing, but because they’re growing.
Finding Joy in the Hard Places
Jesus goes on to say in verse 11:
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Did you catch that? Joy comes through abiding—even in pruning.
It’s not fake happiness or pretending everything’s fine. It’s a deep-rooted joy that says,
“I may not understand what’s being cut, but I trust the One holding the shears.”
A Pruning Story from My Life
There was a time I felt “pushed out” of a leadership position. It was unofficial and required significant unpaid time and energy. Before accepting the role, I voiced my concerns and was assured the senior leadership would “have my back.”
I wanted to grow—and I did. But I also found myself caught in a silent, unseen tug-of-war over spiritual control in the group I was called to serve.
My efforts to carry out leadership directives were questioned. My leadership style didn’t match previous experiences. My role was unclear. I was redirected multiple times, and eventually, I felt like I was “out on a limb without a rope.” Unsupported and confused, I slipped into a negative mindset.
Had I heard God right?
Was I really a worship leader?
Was I truly called to mentor Christian women through Bible study?
I left the position—and the church—hurt and disillusioned. I carried the weight of defeat. But in that painful season, God gently began to show me how He was pruning me for a purpose.
Through much prayer and reflection, I began to know myself in a new way—through God’s eyes, not just through a title or role. He created space for deeper time with Jesus, new ministry doors, and a renewal of my spiritual health.
And you know what? I don’t miss that old role. God subtracted what I thought was good to make room for what was best. I needed the hard stuff to grow.
Now, I serve in a similar capacity—but with much more freedom and grace. I’ve seen how God can use my gifts—limited as I may see them—to live out my calling, share truth, and equip others in a ministry I truly love.
Sometimes, subtraction is the setup for multiplication.
Reflect & Respond
Read John 15:1–2 and verses 9–11 again, slowly.
Journal this:
- Where do I see God pruning me in this season?
- Am I resisting it—or trusting Him with it?
For an even deeper dive, download my Abiding in Christ 3 day devotional guide.
Pray:
“Lord, help me trust Your hand even when it hurts. I want to grow, not just go.”
In the comments:
Share how God has used a hard season to produce something beautiful in your life.
Let’s encourage one another as Christian women who know Him, live in His truth, and share His love.
