Midlife has a way of revealing what no longer serves our calling and what God may be gently asking us to release so lasting spiritual fruit can grow. Let’s take a step deeper as we learn that we can trust God in the pruning process.
Pruning Is Not Punishment
“Have you ever been pruned by the Lord?” she asked.
Before I could answer, she nodded and added, “I sure have.”
It wasn’t just the question, it was the knowing look on her face and the weight in her voice. At that moment, something clicked for me: pruning and punishment are not the same.
In John 15, Jesus gives us a powerful illustration. God is the Master Gardener, Jesus is the True Vine, and we are the branches. The Gardener lovingly tends the vine by removing what no longer bears fruit and carefully pruning what does so the branches can bear fruit, more fruit, and much fruit.
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
—John 15:2 (NIV)
A grapevine left untended becomes overgrown with leaves and produces fewer grapes. In the same way, excess- good things included- can hinder our spiritual fruitfulness if left unchecked.
Pruning, then, is not rejection or punishment.
It’s preparation.
Is God gentle with us? Most assuredly.
Is pruning comfortable? Often, not at all.
Pruning Is Preparation
The first time I became aware of God’s pruning in my life was as a late teen.
Through my church youth pastor, I discovered Christian music on a local radio station. If you saw me driving back then, you probably heard me before you saw me!
As my heart began to change, I noticed something else shifting too. While I still enjoyed the R&B music of the 80s, the more I listened to Christian radio, the more I realized many of the lyrics I loved weren’t honoring God.
I didn’t change my music overnight, it was a process. But I now see that season as God gently pruning one area of my life to make room for what He was preparing me for.
Only the Lord knew that within a year or so, I would become the wife of that youth pastor.
(More on that story another time!)
Becoming a pastor’s wife and eventually a worship leader required spiritual growth that didn’t happen overnight. God knew I needed more of His Word dwelling within me, and music was one of the ways He cultivated that.
Not everyone is called to lay aside the same things. But if we ask God, He will lovingly reveal what needs to be released. And whatever He asks us to lay down will always be for our good and His glory.
Midlife Often Reveals What No Longer Serves Our Calling
Midlife can feel like arriving at a long-awaited pause; a season where we finally catch our breath. And honestly, we may really need it.
But midlife is not the season to stop growing spiritually.
Through years of life, love, and living, many of us now find ourselves facing a new set of challenges and distractions.
Menopause alone deserves its own conversation—amen?
Yet these shifts don’t mean our calling has ended. Often, they mean it’s being refined.
Midlife Shifts Help Us Refine Our Calling
As women of God, midlife can become a sacred opportunity to reevaluate what no longer serves us in this season.
This is not the time to grow spiritually comfortable, but to intentionally deepen our spiritual disciplines, especially Bible study and prayer.
“She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.”
—Proverbs 31:27 (NLT)
The Proverbs 31 woman lived through seasons just as we do. Her roles shifted, but her faithfulness and fruitfulness did not. She remained attentive to her calling and stewarded her time wisely.
We can do the same.
Abiding Is Our Safe Space to Grow
As we abide in Christ and allow His Word to abide in us, we discover there is safety in the hands of the Master Gardener.
He lovingly removes what no longer serves us and leads us toward what will help us grow into mature, fruitful women of God.
We don’t need to strive.
We only need to abide.
He will lead.
We only need to remain.
God Removes to Make Room for Lasting Fruit
Pruning isn’t about loss, it’s about making room for what matters most.
Sometimes God asks us to say no to good things so we can say yes to better things. And sometimes, He opens new doors that require releasing old commitments.
In this midlife season, I’ve experienced that firsthand.
God has given me:
- More time to mentor women longing to grow spiritually
- More space to listen to the needs of others
- More time with my husband
- More opportunities to care for my aging parents
And one of the greatest joys of this season?
Spending time with my granddaughter. She is pure joy!
This is what pruning produces: more love, more peace, more joy, more patience, more gentleness, more self-control; the beautiful overflow of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
💙 Your Turn
Have you felt spiritually drained or dissatisfied lately?
Could it be that God is gently leading you to let go of something so He can produce more fruit in your life?
3 Simple Ways to Create Space for Spiritual Growth
- Limit scrolling that fills time but not your soul
- Reduce entertainment overload (streaming, sports, constant noise)
- Evaluate your calendar and make room for rest, prayer, and meaningful relationships
Next Step
Did you miss any of the January posts or earlier February teachings on abiding?
If you’re looking for a simple, overwhelm-free way to stay rooted in God’s Word, I recommend:
- The Fruit of the Spirit 31-Day Reading Plan, or
- The Proverbs 31 Day Reading Plan
Both are designed to help you remain in Christ, one day, one passage, one prayer at a time.
💙Friend, if this post resonates with you, leave a comment to let me know. Also, feel free to share this content with a friend or on your socials.
