Connect Lesson #91 The Pruning Process by Jeremias Alicea
Scripture References: John 1:4-9, John 8:12, Ephesians 5:8-9, Galatians 6:9, and Isaiah 58:11
Overview (5 Minutes)
Imagine for a moment that the goals and dreams of your life are like a tree, a tree that’s meant to thrive, grow and flourish. Growth is a natural part of almost any kind of living thing, and as such, it requires nurturing and care. Growth also requires pruning or cutting away some things to make room for light to shine in and for more growth to occur in different areas. Additionally, we have to know the whys, the hows, the whats, and the whens of pruning because after all, timing is everything. Like a tree, if we cut off too much too soon, it could cost the life of the tree, the goal, the dream, or whatever it is you’re trying to grow, nurture and expand. The perfect amount of trimming will allow your “tree” to properly move and flex when the violent winds of change come. In both John 1:4-9 and John 8:12, we see that Jesus is the light and that light is within us. In Ephesians 5:8-9, we are told to walk in the light. We need to let the light of Christ shine through because that light causes us to be a light to others. Cutting off dead weight in your life not only allows you to handle the violent winds of change but it will also allow you to flow more freely so you may move with the rhythm of God and His plan for your life.
Discussion Questions (15-20 Minutes)
Q#1: How has pruning certain things in your life caused growth to be more effective?
Q#2: What are some things in our lives we may need to prune in order obtain effective growth?
Life Application (5-7 Minutes)
Pruning isn’t just about cutting things off. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of thinning the branches so that things will grow properly. God’s given us all gifts and talents that we must develop and grow in order to be effective for the Kingdom. Kingdom expansion is in the works. God wants you to be a part of that. Pruning requires the proper tools. Taking an ax to the root will kill the tree. Many times in our haste to make a change, we make drastic moves that aren't healthy, cutting off very important things and people that are needed at the time to help you grow. Pruning a tree is best when things are dormant and pruning in the proper season is vital, make a move too soon and it could cost you the life of the tree; wait too long and it could cause your tree to be weighted down and ineffective. Never overstay your season. It could lead to burnout and disappointment creating a lack of drive and motivation to move on to the next step. Make a clean break and move forward. Use discernment, however, because leaving a place too soon could cause you to miss something you were supposed to learn. Preparing for the next season requires knowledge, wisdom, strength, and the proper tools. Arm yourself with the word and prayer so you know when and how to transition. Galatians 6:9 says “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Finally, when it comes to pruning, It’s always recommended to trust the experts. We have the ultimate expert but we should also have wise counsel around us. In a multitude of counselors, there is safety. Isaiah 58:11 says “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. Certain seasons require certain environments and certain people, and if those people leave, don’t chase them down. If they are meant to be in your life, they will come back. If they don’t God will replace them. You just need to wait on Him.