This week is brought to you by the letter p, and the word pain. Y’all, in several days, I am intentionally and willingly paying a lot of money for someone to inflict trauma on my body. No... I’m not getting a tattoo (unfortunately). 

On Friday, an orthopedic surgeon will remove a few damaged discs in my neck and replace them with titanium ones. After years of chronic suffering, I am expecting restoration and relief. The eventual outcome will be absolute perfection.

But here’s the crux — God also imposes pain in order to bring healing, wholeness, and salvation. 

We gravitate to the characteristics of the Lord that feel pleasant — peace, grace, and love. Trauma and tribulation cannot be from a good God, right? And yet, Scripture tells us otherwise. Job was afflicted. Israel was led into captivity. Paul was given a thorn. Christ was crucified.

Imagine this — after their last dinner together, Jesus is dropping gold to his disciples — a heavenly place, heavenly peace, and the Holy Spirit are all coming. And also...

[“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”] 
John 15v1-2

Really? Pruning? I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound fun. Pruning involves sharp objects and serious cuts. The process requires a deep cleansing to encourage strength and growth. The term implies a deliberate action by the gardener to remove unproductive parts. 

Sounds like surgery.

Jesus gave us fair warning that in being His followers we would experience pain — and sometimes it would be for our benefit. Similar to real life, we can submit to God’s hand and surrender to His purpose. He must prune for us to bear big, juicy fruit. The process may be unpleasant or even painful, but as we remain in Him we will be abundant in the next season.

Forward this to a friend as a reminder for you both — God’s pruning is purposeful. 

grateful —