"... Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." John 15:2This verse has been rolling through my head for the past few weeks and I think that it is one of the best verses in the bible, because it helps us realize that any pain we're experiencing, or any tough time that we're going through is for a reason. The main two actions of this verse are God pruning us and becoming more fruitful.
God pruning us could happen in many different ways; you may lose your job, a family member may die, or you may just be put in a dry spot spiritually. No matter what form it is in, it's tough. But as the verse says, this happens so we can bear more fruit.
I think that the fruit that this verse is referring to is something that brings God glory. For example, I had a friend who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 13. This was a huge hurdle in his life, but through his attitude, and love for Christ, he held together even though he wasn't able to play the sports that he loved, or attend school with his friends. The nurses and doctors were touched by his (and his parents') attitudes and they, in turn were inspired by this Christian family. I don't know what happened to the doctors and nurses, but my friend is done with treatment and cancer free. Through his "pruning" of his health, he bared more fruit by impressing the nurses and doctors with his attitude and trust in God.
This verse is a great reminder that bad things happen to good people, but regardless of the situation, it is for God's glory in one way or another, even if we don't see it.
