Letting Go of the Good for God's Best
"Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." – John 15:2 (ESV)
Has there ever been something in your life that, at first glance, seemed like a good thing; but over time, you realized it was actually hindering your growth in an area or keeping you from seeing the full scope of your potential? Maybe it was a relationship, a job opportunity, or a hobby. It wasn’t harmful in itself, but it began to monopolize your time, attention, and energy, keeping you from stepping into the fullness of your calling.
Sometimes the hardest things to release aren’t the clearly toxic or unhealthy ones, but the things that look good on the surface, things that have brought joy or comfort in seasons past. Letting go of those can often feel confusing and even painful.
This week, my parents made a decision that reminded me of this principle. They hired a crew to remove a few walnut trees in their backyard. These trees had been a point of pride for as long as I can remember. My dad is known for his meticulously manicured yard, and those mature trees added beauty and charm to the property. Trees like that are hard to find in neighborhoods these days.
While beautiful, the walnuts and falling leaves created an ongoing challenge and frustration. For years, my parents have labored over what to do about these trees, weighing the beauty against the promise of convenience. It wasn’t an easy decision. Those trees weren’t diseased or damaged. In fact, they provided lovely shade in the warmer months, but ultimately, they were making it harder for the yard to flourish.
Today, as I write this, my retired father is parked in his lawn chair, popcorn and coffee in hand, watching as they dismantle the trees, limb by limb, like his own personal HGTV show. And I can't help but reflect: how many times do we hang on to something simply because it looks good, even though it’s holding us back from God’s best?
REFLECTION: Is there something in your life that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s ultimately keeping you from all God has for you? Maybe it’s not wrong, but it’s not right for where God is leading you. Ask God to reveal to you what that may be and for the strength to let go, even if it’s hard. Sometimes clearing space in your heart and life, just like clearing those trees, makes room for something even more fruitful to grow.
PRAYER: “Father, thank You for the good things You’ve placed in my life. But I confess that sometimes I hold on too tightly, even when You are gently asking me to let go. Give me discernment to recognize what is no longer serving Your purpose in my life and the strength to release it, even if it’s hard. Help me trust that what You have for me is always better, even if it doesn’t feel easier in the moment. Make space in me, God, for Your best to grow. Amen"
Has there ever been something in your life that, at first glance, seemed like a good thing; but over time, you realized it was actually hindering your growth in an area or keeping you from seeing the full scope of your potential? Maybe it was a relationship, a job opportunity, or a hobby. It wasn’t harmful in itself, but it began to monopolize your time, attention, and energy, keeping you from stepping into the fullness of your calling.
Sometimes the hardest things to release aren’t the clearly toxic or unhealthy ones, but the things that look good on the surface, things that have brought joy or comfort in seasons past. Letting go of those can often feel confusing and even painful.
This week, my parents made a decision that reminded me of this principle. They hired a crew to remove a few walnut trees in their backyard. These trees had been a point of pride for as long as I can remember. My dad is known for his meticulously manicured yard, and those mature trees added beauty and charm to the property. Trees like that are hard to find in neighborhoods these days.
While beautiful, the walnuts and falling leaves created an ongoing challenge and frustration. For years, my parents have labored over what to do about these trees, weighing the beauty against the promise of convenience. It wasn’t an easy decision. Those trees weren’t diseased or damaged. In fact, they provided lovely shade in the warmer months, but ultimately, they were making it harder for the yard to flourish.
Today, as I write this, my retired father is parked in his lawn chair, popcorn and coffee in hand, watching as they dismantle the trees, limb by limb, like his own personal HGTV show. And I can't help but reflect: how many times do we hang on to something simply because it looks good, even though it’s holding us back from God’s best?
REFLECTION: Is there something in your life that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s ultimately keeping you from all God has for you? Maybe it’s not wrong, but it’s not right for where God is leading you. Ask God to reveal to you what that may be and for the strength to let go, even if it’s hard. Sometimes clearing space in your heart and life, just like clearing those trees, makes room for something even more fruitful to grow.
PRAYER: “Father, thank You for the good things You’ve placed in my life. But I confess that sometimes I hold on too tightly, even when You are gently asking me to let go. Give me discernment to recognize what is no longer serving Your purpose in my life and the strength to release it, even if it’s hard. Help me trust that what You have for me is always better, even if it doesn’t feel easier in the moment. Make space in me, God, for Your best to grow. Amen"
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