“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV)

-Isaiah 43:18-19

Have you ever seen kudzu? The first time I saw it was in the Blue Ridge Mountains out the window of a car. I loved how it looked, making the trees look soft and beautifully connected. It wasn’t until later that I learned kudzu is nicknamed “the vine that ate the South.” While kudzu may look beautiful, it is an invasive, fast-growing weed that can damage other plants, animals, and insects in its environment. 

My life in my 20s was, in essence, surrounded by kudzu. I walked away from the Lord and entered a world that seemed beautiful but was, in every way, draining me of my purpose and peace. The more I tried to thrive on my own, the more I was suffocated by the environment and people around me. Yet, I chose to stay there because, to me, life as a Christian was in opposition to freedom, and the Word of God felt stifling and limiting.

But God (don’t you love those words) continued to seek me. When I cried out to Him, he came to the dark woods I was in, rescued me from the weeds surrounding my life, and gently planted me in a garden of beauty and healing. I no longer sought validation, healing, or comfort in the world but eagerly desired the presence of Christ in my life.

In the garden of His grace, He pruned my life so I could produce good fruit. He removed weeds around me so I could bloom in all seasons of life.

With ever-loving compassion and grace, God took away my pain, turned it into joy, and replaced my confusion with clarity! He gave my heart newness and refreshment, rooted in eternity. I no longer viewed the Bible as limiting but as a nourishing stream of never-ending abundance that calms my soul and renews my spirit.

To this day, God continues to prune my heart of sinfulness so I can be healthy and produce fruit. Through the daily presence of the Holy Spirit, He gives me strength and protects me from the enemy's darkness, pulling weeds away with His strong hand. I am no longer bound by who I was in the past because I am a beautiful new creation in Christ! In God, I breathe freely the gift of salvation and His never-failing grace and mercy.

I hope that today, you can know how deeply He cares for you and look forward, with an expectant faith, to everlasting newness and refreshment. 

Think About It

Are you somewhere in life that is keeping you from God’s care? What do you need to ask God to remove so you can be fruitful?

Pray About It

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gentle care you give when you are pruning our lives. Only you know what we need to thrive and grow in your love's goodness and rich soil.

We pray that you will give us strength to live fully in you and depend on you for a fullness of life.

-Amen