Day 15

John 15:2

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.

We have reached an important moment in this journey. Day 15 marks the beginning of the final seven days of these 21 days of prayer and fasting. Often, this is where the temptation to ease up becomes strongest. Fatigue sets in. The rhythm feels familiar. It can seem reasonable to relax what we have been practicing.

But this final stretch is also where God often does some of His deepest work. By now, you have been walking with Jesus in a different rhythm than usual. You have slowed down. You have created space. You have been more attentive. And seasons like this create the perfect environment for pruning.

Jesus uses the language of agriculture to describe spiritual growth because it reflects how growth actually works. Pruning involves cutting. It involves loss. And loss is rarely comfortable. Letting go of something that has been part of your life can feel confusing or even painful. But pruning is not a sign of failure. It is a sign of care.

Early in the spiritual journey, pruning often looks like removing things that are clearly misaligned with Scripture. Certain habits, behaviors, or patterns need to be cut away because they are harmful. But as we grow and walk more closely with Jesus, pruning begins to change. It becomes less about removing what is wrong and more about letting go of what is simply not the best.

Some branches are not bad. They are healthy. They have even produced fruit. But they can still get in the way of greater fruit. God’s pruning is not about minimizing our lives. It is about maximizing what He wants to produce in us. What feels like loss may actually be preparation.

As you enter these final seven days, pay attention to what God may be inviting you to release. Do not rush past the discomfort. Trust the process. The same God who prunes is the God who brings growth.

Prayer

God, thank You for caring enough to prune our lives. As we enter the final days of this journey, give us discernment to release what no longer serves Your purpose. Help us trust that what You remove is making room for greater fruit. We surrender to Your loving work in us. Amen.