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In The Garden...Pruning Part 2

June is coming, but I cannot leave the garden before taking a second look at the pruning process.  I want to look at pruning from the perspective of the one being pruned. A plant in our garden has no say when we pull out the clippers or shears, but it's a different story when God is pruning His children.

We are not plants; we are living beings. God created us and He gave us free will.  He wants us to choose Him and His ways; not out of obligation but because we love, value, and trust Him above all others (including ourselves).

Jesus gave us a word picture in John 15 to help us better understand our need to stay in relationship with Him. He also said everyone connected with Him will be pruned.

I've heard there are only two responses to the pruning process. Rebellion or cooperation. I believe there are two more. Resignation or gratitude. Why do I believe this? Experience!

The LORD pointed out my "I'll accept Your way but I don't like it" attitude after a particularly unhappy pruning of my desires. It was early 2007. George was still active duty Navy and deployed. It was time for him to choose his next duty station. I wanted one of two places; Millington, Tennessee (closer to our daughter’s family) or Jacksonville, Florida (closer to my parents). He was given a choice between Japan or Washington D.C. He took D.C.. I cried.

The next day, I was still crying. I told the LORD I trusted Him and would accept what He had for me. I'll never forget the words He spoke into my heart that day, “I do not want your acceptance. I want you to be thankful. I want you to thank Me for what I am doing.”

I was struck to the heart. Truly pierced through. Now I was crying for a completely different reason.  I trusted He knew best, but I wasn't trusting His good and loving heart for me. I saw my response to His gift for what it was --- petulant compliance.

I'm forever thankful the LORD gave me a second pruning that day! The fruit of that experience was a repentant heart that lead to a grateful heart. As soon as I let go of the pruned branch that held my desires for TN or FL, I experienced peace and joy and a building expectation for what was to come.

Two weeks later, my son-in-law was offered a job in Reston, VA which is just outside of D.C.. I didn't know this was going to happen, but God did! We actually spent an entire week together while house hunting. And you know what? 

By taking away what I wanted, giving me what He had for me, and then pressing me to go beyond resignation to thankfulness, I was able to totally enjoy His gift with absolutely no shame. Yes, those moves would've happened either way, but I spent two happy weeks between times and could fully celebrate when His good gift was revealed.

I'd like to say I'm quickly grateful in every pruning; I’m not, but I am grateful He always points out a bad attitude and reminds me to trust Him more. I’m also thankful He is with me through it all. He never leaves me or forsakes me. He is unchanging. He is sovereign, good, and loving; yesterday, today, and tomorrow!

No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1st Thessalonians 5:18 (TLB)

For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD.  They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (TLB)

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