As I rummaged through my fridge, I stumbled upon a bundle of wilted cilantro, its once-vibrant leaves now soggy and brown. My initial reaction was to discard the entire bunch, but something held me back. Perhaps it was the memory of the sweet aroma it once filled my kitchen with, or the thought of wasting the money I spent on it. Whatever the reason, I decided to take a closer look.
As I carefully plucked away the rotten leaves, I was surprised to find that there were still many healthy, fragrant ones hidden beneath. It was as if my initial glance had deceived me, and I had almost missed the treasure buried beneath the decay. The process was tedious, but the end result was worth it – a bulging baggie filled with fresh, green goodness.
This experience reminded me of God’s gentle hand in my life. Just as I had carefully separated the good from the bad, God too sees beyond the imperfections and sin that taint my life. He doesn’t discard me, but instead, prunes away the unwanted parts, making me more fruitful and useful for His purposes.
In John 15:2, Jesus says, “Every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” This verse resonated deeply with me, as I realized that God’s pruning is not meant to harm, but to refine and perfect me.
As I reflect on this, I’m reminded to focus on the good that God sees in me, rather than dwelling on my shortcomings. It’s easy to get caught up in self-doubt and negativity, but God’s love and grace remind me that I am worthy of redemption and restoration.
If you’re struggling to see the good in yourself, or feeling overwhelmed by the weight of your sin, I want to remind you that God’s love is not limited by our imperfections. He sees beyond the surface level, to the beauty and potential that lies within.
Take a moment to pray with me: “Lord, thank you for seeing beyond my flaws and loving me despite my shortcomings. Help me to focus on the good that you see in me, and to trust in your pruning process. Use me to bring glory to your name, and to draw others to you.”
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