Day Twelve- Without Pain, Beauty Can't Emerge

“The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire”- Matthew 3:8-10
 
When I became a Christian, I thought my life would get easier. At least, that’s what I saw in the people who led me to Christ. But soon after my conversion, my life got a lot worse. I prayed, I asked people. I read my bible, but nothing seemed to work. Through that time of trial, God did a lot in my soul. He tore down strongholds, healed old wounds and taught me the power and importance of forgiveness. Those years were some of the worst in my life. However, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Let me explain.
Part of growing in our walks with God is the pruning process. As much as God’s will is for all to come to know him, he knows that may not happen. Not everyone will follow God’s will by choice. God, giving us the gift of free will, knows some will choose to break off their relationship with Him, just as Adam and Eve did. He also knows that we, who want to follow His will, sometimes let sin rule our lives instead of god. When that happens, he must cut off the dead parts of us so new growth can occur.
Pruning is hard! It hurts. There are moments when we would give anything for it to be over. I can only imagine if a branch had feelings how painful it is for it, too.
But when all the hard, painful parts over, something miraculous happens. The beauty of growth takes place and it gives birth to life giving fruit.
 
As people, our tendency is to wish for the pain to go away. But without the pain, beauty can’t emerge.
 
Think of a time when God had to prune you. What did he have to get rid of? What emerged as a result?