Wow this Christian walk sure is exciting. As my relationship with Jesus grows He shows me more issues I must deal with. Issues I weren't even aware of. But He is. It's all part of growing and sometimes it is a painful process. But I can always look back on parts of my journey and see His hand upon me.
In John 15:2, Jesus says, "every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." So let's look at that statement. Have you ever pruned a tree, a bush or any plant. We literally cut off parts of the plant. Then the plant needs time to react, to regroup, to recover from what happened. And over time the plant will be stronger and produce more fruit.
My life is the same as that plant. As I grow, a process of moving forward, then backwards too, I get pruned; things which are dear to me get cut out, removed, thrown away or burned. Then I feel poorly, dejected, sometimes depressed. But over time I begin to get stronger as that part which was removed is no longer a drag on my walk. It's not slowing me down anymore. I'm free from it and can move more easily. Really, it's the same process as the pruned plant. But it is a constant battle.
Paul called it Spiritual Warfare. A battle between the flesh and the spirit. And what a battle it can become. One of the first Bible study, audio Cd's I purchased as a new born again Christian was from David Jeremiah. I highly recommend it. Since then I've heard many other talented speakers teach on this topic and all have helped me to stay focused on Christ. I guess it all comes back to the word of God. Knowing what it says and applying it to my life. That is SO important in our lives. I am really saddened by how many people never read their Bible. Reading daily is like exercising our Spirits. And boy do I need to keep exercising....
Remember to keep it, your relationship with Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit simple...That's how He designed it.
