Cut Back

It’s spring here in Minnesota, which means that we’re all gardening! Part of preparing our landscaping is to cut back the previous years growth. We do this so that the plant can thrive in the new season. We cut the plant back to just the essentials. Recently, there has been an excessive amount of cut back in our own lives. The economy, jobs, our health and our social lives. It has been cut back, down to the essentials.

Now, there is talk of things opening back up and pressing restart on it all has God’s word’s ringing in my ears. In John 15:5 Jesus says; “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” It is giving me pause and I’m asking myself what it is that I want, we want to add back in.

Much like the plants that need to be cut back in the spring in order to thrive, I’m choosing to see that it has been a privilege to be cut back. Because, now I have the opportunity to examine what it is beyond the essentials I want to add back in.

Again, God’s word reminds us that nothing apart from Him bears fruit, and we can ask if what we’re adding back is attached to the vine of Christ? Will it bear holy fruit that allows us to thrive for God’s Kingdom as we move forward? I know these are all questions I’m asking myself right now. If you too, have felt the pain of being cut back, I pray we’re able to see it as a privilege and ask God to show us what it is we are to add back in.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, You alone are in control, you see my life and who I am. I know you want the best for me and my family. Thank you Jesus, for the opportunity to be cut back and to slow down in life. I pray now that as I move forward you reveal to my what is to be added back in, and what is not. Show me what is not connected to Your vine and should be discarded. Bless what is left and is worthy of my time and attention to be added back in. In Jesus nam, Amen.

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