"... so that it will be more fruitful." John 15:26
Ouch!
How many times in life have I faced God's pruning shears? It seems that every time He trims me back, an unruly shoot forms that will need to be removed eventually.
I try to remember... God doesn't prune us just to keep us in line - to keep us from getting unruly. His intention is always one thing - fruit. Every place where He clips us back is a place where much fruit will someday grow.
Lord, I fear Your shears because I know pain is involved. Isn't there a painless option? Isn't there another way?
Quiet my heart, Lord Jesus.