During the pandemic, we planted a grape cutting at the Mission House. To our delight, it grew and became a big vine, but it had no fruits. So, what did we do? We hung plastic grapes, which amazed many visitors who dropped by, but not our “bird visitors,” who were angered when they found out they were biting artificial fruits! Angry birds!
In the Gospel of John 15:1-8, Jesus tells us: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit because, without me, you can do nothing.” If we remain with the Lord, we will bear not only much fruit in life but also real fruits as well.
There’s a sequel to our vine story: After a year, we pruned the grapevine. The cutting must have been painful, and the vine that was a beautiful attraction became bare of leaves. But only for a while. Soon after, leaves sprouted again. Not only that, fruits came out–real fruits that gave so much joy to our hearts.
What “fruits” have you produced in your life? Are you producing plastic fruits that are just pleasing to the eyes, or real fruits that warm the heart?
The Lord takes away every branch that does not bear fruit. Those that bear fruit, He prunes them so that they bear more fruits. The Lord’s pruning leads to more fruit-bearing. If you are going through any trial, problem, setback, delay, or “drought,” hold on to the Lord’s promise that He knows what He is doing, and that it is all leading up to something good and worthwhile in the end.
Remain in the Lord and hold on to His words. Focus on the Lord, not on the world that tells us to enjoy, get going, have fun, and have it all. Even when we are being pruned, (especially when we are being pruned), let us not forget to pray, do good, and have joyful hope through it all. “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).
When we are going through any kind of pruning, let us keep in mind one very important thing: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Sharing with you my prayer when I was going through my cancer pruning: “Lord, I am sick, please heal me; I am worried, please assure me; I am afraid, please stay with me. Lord, I offer You my suffering; You are with me in my pain; Be with me in this time of cleansing, in this time of tremendous grace; Lord, I need You; Lord, I hold on to You; Lord, I embrace You; Jesus I trust in You.”
