Today’s sermon at Church of the City was about the different seasons of life, using the changing seasons of the year as an analogy for the seasons we go through. I would like to focus on winter because I feel that it is the season I am currently in, although perhaps nearing its end, as I can already see spring approaching.
In winter, we rest and are pruned, much like a tree “rests” by entering a deep, sleep-like state during the colder months. Winter is also a good time to prune trees because it is easier to see their branching structure without the leaves getting in the way. Additionally, pruning is less stressful for a tree when it is dormant, and there are fewer pests associated with pruning cuts during this time. In this sense, winter pruning is for the good of the tree.
So, what does the Bible say about resting and being pruned?
Rest
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Pruning
John 15:2
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
My notes for myself are these: First, I can only find rest in God alone. Second, when God prunes me, removes something from my life, or convicts me to let go of something, I can trust that He does so because He cares for me and is at work in my life. He wants me to bear even more fruit than I am producing right now, and hence the pruning.
Therefore, it is important to receive His pruning instead of trying to resist or escape it. It is part of His work in preparing me for what comes next, just as winter prepares a tree for the growth of spring.