This message was inspired by: Joyce Meyer
In the journey of life, there are seasons when we face hardships, when things seem to be falling apart, and when we feel as though we are being cut down to almost nothing. But, beloved, I want to tell you today that it is in those very seasons of struggle that God is doing a work in you. He is pruning you, preparing you to bear fruit like never before. As Joyce Meyer has so beautifully shared in her teachings, “God loves us enough to prune us so that we can bear richer and more excellent fruit.” This message is a call to understand how to bear fruit during hard times, trust in God’s process, and remain faithful to His will for our lives.
The Pruning Process: A Necessary Step for Growth
The Bible teaches us that God is the gardener who prunes the branches of the vine so that they can bear more fruit. In John 15:2, Jesus says, “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that bears fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” This is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult it may seem, the pruning process is essential for growth. God, in His wisdom, knows exactly what we need to grow and flourish, and sometimes that means He has to cut away things in our lives that are hindering us from reaching our full potential.
Joyce Meyer often shares personal stories of how God has used painful seasons in her own life to shape her into the person she is today. One such example is the story of a tree in her front yard that was pruned down to almost nothing. She didn’t understand it at the time, but her husband reassured her that it was necessary for the tree to grow stronger and more fruitful in the coming years. Similarly, in our lives, there are times when we may feel stripped down, when everything we once relied on seems to be taken away. But God is simply preparing us for greater things ahead.
Embracing the Process of Pruning
How many of you have ever been in a season where it felt like God was removing everything that you thought was important? Maybe you’ve lost a job, a relationship, or even your sense of direction. Joyce Meyer reminds us that in these moments, we must be patient and trust that God is at work. “Just be patient,” she says, “and you will see the fruit of your labor in time.”
Let me encourage you today: the pain you are experiencing is not in vain. God is not punishing you; He is pruning you. He is cutting away the things that are hindering you from bearing fruit. This is a process that takes time, and while we may want to see the results immediately, God’s timing is perfect. Psalm 1:3 tells us, “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season.” Your season of fruitfulness will come. Trust in the process.
Trusting God When Life is Hard
When we are going through difficult times, it’s easy to become discouraged and lose hope. But as Joyce Meyer teaches, we must choose to trust God even when we don’t understand what He is doing. Trusting God is not always easy, but it is essential for growth. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
You may not understand why you’re going through a particular trial, but trust that God is working behind the scenes. Just as a farmer knows when to prune his fruit trees for the best harvest, God knows when and how to prune you for the greatest growth. He sees the bigger picture, and His plan for your life is good. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even in the hardest of times, God is working all things together for your good.
God’s Plan for Your Fruitfulness
God’s ultimate desire for us is that we bear fruit—fruit that reflects His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the fruits of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. But how do we bear this kind of fruit when life is hard? Joyce Meyer emphasizes the importance of staying connected to God’s word and relying on His strength.
In John 15:4-5, Jesus says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, no more can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” The key to bearing fruit during hard times is remaining connected to Jesus. When we abide in Him, we draw strength from His presence, and His Holy Spirit empowers us to produce good fruit, even in the midst of adversity.
This is where our faith is tested. It’s easy to trust God when things are going well, but it takes a deeper level of trust to rely on Him when things seem to be falling apart. Joyce Meyer reminds us that it is in our weaknesses that God’s strength is made perfect. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Your weakness is an opportunity for God’s power to be displayed in your life. Don’t shy away from the challenges; embrace them, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.
The Call to Repentance and Restoration
As we reflect on God’s pruning process, it’s important to remember that sometimes the struggles we face are a result of our own disobedience or sin. If you find yourself in a season of hardship, it may be time to examine your heart and repent of any areas where you’ve strayed from God’s will. Joyce Meyer often teaches that repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our mistakes, but it’s about turning away from sin and aligning our hearts with God’s purpose.
In Acts 3:19, the Bible says, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Repentance opens the door for God’s restoration and healing in our lives. If you’ve been feeling disconnected from God, now is the time to turn back to Him. He is waiting with open arms, ready to restore you and help you bear fruit once again.
A Renewed Commitment to God’s Will
Finally, as we endure the pruning process and seek restoration, we must make a renewed commitment to God’s will for our lives. Joyce Meyer encourages us to trust God’s timing and purpose, even when it doesn’t make sense. Romans 12:1-2 urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is a call to align our hearts and minds with God’s will, no matter what season we find ourselves in.
If you are in a hard season right now, I want to encourage you to trust that God is working in you. Stay connected to Him, remain faithful, and keep pressing forward. He will bring you through this season, and you will bear fruit like never before.
Call to Action
Today, I challenge you to examine your heart. Are you in a season of pruning? Are you struggling to trust God during hard times? Now is the time to repent, to return to God, and to commit yourself fully to His will. Allow Him to work in you, to prune away the things that are hindering your growth, and to prepare you for the fruitfulness He has in store for you.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your loving hand of pruning in my life. I trust that You are working all things together for my good. I repent of any areas where I have strayed from Your will, and I commit myself fully to You. I ask for Your strength to bear fruit during these hard times, and I trust that You will bring me through to a season of abundance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May God bless you and keep you, and may you bear much fruit for His glory.
