What’s Up With This Pruning?

This year has surfaced so many hidden, unseen secrets of my heart. It’s pulled back the curtain on areas of fear and mistrust, dug up roots of selfish ambition, and laid bare places unyielded.

I’ve been through these seasons before, where the magnifying glass of the Holy Spirit seems to be combing every reach of my mind, heart, and soul. He’s intensifying the process of pruning, sifting out deceit, unbelief, and sin. 

He’s not allowing anything to stay that shouldn’t remain, and it’s for my benefit. 

These seasons are uncomfortable, but they’re the most fruitful. Pruning isn’t a punishment; it’s a reward.

One area that’s become tainted, filled with cultural christianity is the motive for my pursuit. There are reasons that people seek God yet they have nothing to with God, and I’ve found myself guilty of this.

I fear many christians in America, specifically millennial ministers, are in this boat. We pursue Jesus as a means to an end for our own personal gain and ministry success. 

If we study, pray, and fast…If we encounter God…If we have the right dream, hear the perfect prophetic word…If we write the next anointed song…We’ll receive a platform, influence, anointing, world wide ministry, historical notoriety, and all the natural benefits of money and comfort that come with it. 

There’s a process of blessing that comes as we seek God first, but He never promised us the American dream. He promised us His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

He never promised stardom—He promised sonship. 

He never promised we’d be rich—He promised every need being met and more than enough. He never promised us a mega-church, television ministry or social following—He promised us we could co-labor with Him in making disciples. 

He never promised us a tangible platform or mic—He promised us authority over sickness and disease and every spiritual principality. 

There’s nothing wrong with these things, and I celebrate each one of them. But, when they become the motive we’re missing it. 

It seems that for many, relationship has become about reward when the reality is relationship is the reward. Jesus is the prize, and His presence is the gift. 

As I’ve seen this in my own heart, I can’t help but feel this is part of what 2020 is all about. 

When lovers of God, the global church, and the nations of the earth are under the pruning shears of the spirit, facing their own spiritual poverty, change and repentance are inevitable.

It’s not the anger or wrath of God lashing out against humanity. It’s His goodness and kindness drawing us into Himself. 

He leads us to Himself, knowing He’s the only source of fulfillment, place of contentment, and guarantee of true reward. He Himself is revival. 

As uncomfortable as it may be, my anticipation for the future is high. These are the moments where God becomes real-personally and globally. These are the times when the lost get saved, the saved get re-awakened and the world gets turned upside down. 

Have you found yourself in a season like this or do you see it around you? 

I’d love to know, so comment below!