Is Change Painful for You?

Have you ever been in the middle of change– maybe even good change–and felt the tension of it deeply? If so, you’re probably experiencing pruning.

If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Kate :). If you’ve been here before, I’m glad you’re back. Writing in this space is such a joy, and I am grateful for each one of you as you journey with me.

A bit of a life update… I’m engaged! As many of you know, my amazing fiancé and I are beginning to navigate the transition of our  upcoming marriage and it has been a joy to walk in what God has ahead for us. I can attest that seeking the Lord first and dating a man who seeks the Lord first reaps beautiful things. More on that to come ;).

As I have been processing and navigating the transition that is about to take place, I have learned more about God than ever before. The reality of getting married young (or any life change) is that there is so much God-dependence, which is a BEAUTIFUL thing! I believe the places where we must be reliant on Him are exactly where He wants us to be. Yet, in the change, God has begun to touch my heart in new ways that have, in all honesty, been a bit painful.

My mind goes to John 15:2 where Jesus talks about pruning, “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.” Pruning is a painful process where God cuts away at things that are already fruitful to produce the most fruit from the branch. It is not about cutting away the dead, but cutting off the alive for the benefit of producing the most fruit. Pruning calls for complete submission and trust as the Gardener alone chooses where to cut. Only He can see what the final picture should look like.

The beauty of change is that it means God is asking to touch the places of our hearts that we probably struggle to sacrifice. Maybe these things are even good. It is for deeper  intimacy and greater strength in who He is. As mentioned, pruning does not mean cutting off the dead, but cutting off the alive. For me, this is looking like God cutting away at my life as a single, individual woman unto Him, to form me into the future wife that will submit to and honor my husband well. I know that engagement is not the only time that God teaches submission, but I know that I now  am learning I must first submit to the Lord’s hand before soon submitting under the leadership of my future spouse.

Especially if you are in the early-adulthood phases of life, it seems like there is constant newness to navigate. Leaving home, living at college or in a new city, finding friends, working an interim job, dating, marriage, etc… all come with so. much. transition. And in case no one has told you lately, it is a lot to handle. If you’re navigating it with the Lord, you are navigating it well. Perfection is not expected. Only faithfulness :)

When transition comes, often pruning follows. So if you are feeling the pain of change as God touches the parts of your heart that you did not expect Him to touch, you are in the right place. The reward of growth is indeed pruning! Another way pruning is described can be that of cleaning. I think of a chaotic grapevine that is full of grapes, but is overgrown in so many areas. Pruning not only allows for the MOST fruit, but allows for our lives to be clean and orderly unto the Lord. Without pruning, we should expect burnout. With pruning, we should expect growth in new places that He has prepared for us.

As you walk through newness or grief (sometimes both) in a time of transition, know that the Gardener is near. He longs to lead you and guide you further into relationship with Him as He shows you the path ahead. Remember, the change of season is not the reward. Knowing God is.

My prayer for you is that you would walk through change with God, being aware of His hand forming you into the likeness of Jesus. Pruning is a privilege that comes with walking closely with the Lord. Proud of you, friend.

In His love,

Kate