Hidden Grapes: Finding Purpose in Secluded SeasonsSample

Day 2: Pruning for Purpose

Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit]. John 15:2 – Amplified Bible

I’d never heard the phrase, “balancing the vine” before spending time near the vineyards of California. Vine balancing is simply the assurance that the vine is neither too strong nor too weak. This balance leads to better wine quality and more consistent yields (production) from the vineyard. At first glance, I thought this process was counterintuitive. While I understood weakness to be problematic, isn’t having vigor a good thing?

Vigorous vines can spiral into an excessively vegetative state, thus giving meaning to the idiom, “too much of a good thing.” When left unchecked, this excessive vine growth creates a barrier that shields the fruit from sunlight and monopolizes essential nutrients. The overgrowth not only obstructs grapes’ access to solar energy and air circulation, but it also deprives them of the resources for development and hinders their primary purpose - producing quality fruit.

Today’s scripture denotes Jesus’ understanding of the importance and necessity of vine balance. As the perfect Vine, He is incapable of imperfect branches. Branches that are diseased or lifeless cannot dwell in Him, likewise, vigorous branches must be effectively managed, not once, but repeatedly. This is accomplished by a process called pruning. Pruning is the removal of unwanted branches to improve the vines' structure and direct new, healthy growth.

As branches to the Vine, pruning can be uncomfortable, frustrating, distressing, and downright painful for us. Pruning manifests in various forms. It may involve the elimination of detrimental habits, the honing of our character, or a shift in our priorities or focus. It may include relocating to a new place, the dissolution of a cherished relationship, or periods of quiet isolation. Pruning often means letting go of good things to make room for better things. Regardless of the situation and despite the rawness of pruning, there is always hope and purpose when executed by the tender Vinedresser.

God’s pruning is an act of love and preparation for the rich fruit (good works) that He has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). He knows what needs to be removed or reshaped to reach our potential.

Tomorrow, we will explore the pivotal moments between growth and harvest and examine how spiritual transformation and fruitfulness bring honor to the Heavenly Vinedresser.