As the seasons change from winter to spring, we can observe the trees transitioning from barrenness to fruitfulness. What occurs under the surface of the bark is hidden from our view, but at just the right time the buds burst forth with fresh life and leaves are born to adorn the tree. New life and purpose spring forth from winter’s desolation.
We can learn lessons of how God deals with us from the workings of His creation. Some seasons of our lives may feel like winter as we feel lacking in purpose while going through needful fires of refinement. We may not fully see what is happening in the deep places of our hearts, but we must know He is at work. At times, the Master Gardner may prune our lives to remove from us those things upon which we depended to measure our self-worth, feel safe, gauge our success, or sever our dependence upon man’s acceptance or praise. This season only needs to last until the branch recognizes that its true source of life and purpose is gained from connection to the vine.
Jesus is the vine upon which we receive life, purpose, peace, and joy. Even if it looks as though we have failed in man’s eyes or are in a place that seems devoid of purpose, ours is only to stay connected to the Vine. Our success, righteousness, and worth can only be realized as we remain in Him and operate exactly where He has us. Be not discouraged, in His time and way, He will change our seasons from winter to spring and enter us into a new season of fruitfulness as we trust His methods and stay connected with Him.
From barren to lush – observe the trees, flowers, and all plants. They come forth and bud and flourish as I water and give them sunlight and warmth. These stay planted and wait for Me to bring them into a new season of purpose. So too My vessels must wait for Me to bring them froth from season to season, strength to strength.
If one moves from My place of refinement they do not receive the full benefit of My preparation for the next season. When My vessels move out of My way and timing they are cut off from My supply and flow of the Holy Spirit. They lose their peace, joy, and begin to claw in the dark for purpose.
Do not be discouraged when the season seems long, for I refine each one in the way that brings about perfection in the deep places. In those recesses of your heart I refine and make whole the wounds of the past and strengthen each to stand and ready them to walk in a new season of purpose.
I do not rush My seasons for I would not that My vessels be crushed under a load of care or responsibility for which they are not ready. You rush and feel frustrated when you think time is running out to fulfill your purpose, but know that I remain unmoved. I can lengthen your days to accomplish all I have for you to do.
Do not be burdened at the cares of this world and the needs you see around you. Only let Me pour through you as I move upon you to do this or that task and all I’ve given you to be responsible for in this life will be accomplished. Be very careful to walk in step with Me. Know that I am pleased with you in this, for here My divine flow will bring about the purposes for which I have need of you to fill. My yoke is easy and My burden is light. When you feel heavy, you have taken it upon yourself to solve the woes of the world, I already did that on the cross.
Now just take each step with Me and let Me pour through you. There will be strength enough for the journey and a joy in your every step with Me. Dwell in My peace and be One with Me, for here is where I made you to dwell. Here in this place with Me you will hear me say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”
John 15:1-8
“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. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Psalm 84:5-7
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”