The Cycle of Sharing
29 May 2009 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic illness, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, invisible illness, nerve condition, pain, patricia armstrong, rest ministries
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2 NIV
As my husband I were pruning our shrubs (actually cutting away quite a bit), I became somewhat anxious about whether they would come back and be healthy. But as I remembered in past years, it seems the shrubs were prettier and healthier than ever when they grew back. I was thinking that if the shrubs could talk, they would certainly object to going through such a process as being cut back and yet the pruning was for their benefit in the long run.
When was the last time you felt pruned? Those of us coping with chronic pain and illness may often feel that we have been pruned so severely that we begin to feel recovery is hopeless. Perhaps we have intense pain, illness, depression or financial worries.
Pruning is painful but profitable. James tell us that trials are occasions for joy because they will test our faith and develop in perseverance and maturity. (James 1:2-4)
In John 15:1-2,4, Jesus speaks to all who profess to be believers. Fruitful branches, those who truly remain in Christ, will be pruned in order to bear more fruit or His glory.
As we deal with the trials of life, especially including our health concerns, let us ask God to use these difficulties to help us become closer to Him.
Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” Says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we ask your peace when we are coping with life’s trials. Help us to remember that You are always faithful and may we bear more fruit for Your glory.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patricia Armstrong lives in Va. Beach, Va., with her husband, Richard. She is a retired elementary school teacher who enjoys church activities, gardening, reading and especially helping others who are struggling find peace in the Lord. Patricia struggles with a painful nerve condition.
May 29, 2009 @ 22:40:16
Lisa, your devotional thoughts remind me of a hymn sung at my church, “Bread Blessed and Broken”. It is one often used for meditation during Communion times.
I like you idea of literal gifts and how we need to “see” the gift when at first it is not so apparent.
I am aware of how the challenges in my life have been so painful but in time the lessons learned have been “gifts” to others who are struggling. Had I not been through the trials, I’d not been able to bless. It has also worked in reverse with folks speaking blessings into my life from what they have learned.
You help me look at the word “re-cycle” in new ways. Thanks.
Bless you!
Love,
Lynn
May 30, 2009 @ 00:29:39
Hi Patricia!
Oh no, I left a note on Lisa Burgess devotional for May 29 and now it is here.
I may be going crazy – or just got confused. I think this devotional of yours got posted twice.
Well, enjoy my comments to Lisa as they do transfer over into your message too.
We get pruned so we can reach out and share the lessons we learn.
There, maybe that helps!
Lynn
May 31, 2009 @ 23:08:23
Lynn,
Either way, thanks for your comments. “Had I not been through the trials, I’d not been able to bless.” You have definitely used your trials to bless many of us here!
I think the e-mail and the blog listing didn’t match up for this day, but the title was the same.
Patricia,
I feel like I’m being pruned some now, and it’s not fun, but as your words shared, God does it to make us more fruitful later. I appreciate your reminder.
Blessings,
Lisa