April 15, 2026 | Pastor Spencer Beach

Have you ever felt like God is cutting things out of your life... relationships, opportunities, habits, dreams? If so, here is a thought to consider... You are not being punished. You are being pruned.

Growing up on the water in Florida, I have learned this principle the hard way. Sometimes you have to cut the line. You get snagged on something underwater, and if you refuse to cut it loose, it can snap your rod in two. (Ask me how I know!!) What feels like loss in that moment is actually protection. God works the same way.

Pruning looks like a loss. It feels like rejection. But it is actually preparation for greater fruitfulness.

Jesus said it plainly in John 15:2, "Every branch that bears fruit, He prunes so it will be even more fruitful." The cutting is not meant to harm you. It is designed to help you flourish.

Here is a truth to consider. If God is removing something from your life, it is because that thing is consuming energy that belongs to your growth.

You may be thinking ok I get it but what should I do? Ask God this simple question: "What do I need to release so I can flourish?" Then have the courage to actually let it go. Do not hold onto what God is trying to cut away.

Pruning hurts. But pruning produces fruit. Trust the Gardener and trust the process.

If you know someone walking through a painful season of pruning right now, reach out and remind them they are not alone. Then invite them to come worship with us this Sunday. Sometimes the pruned need to be surrounded by the planted.

By the way, I'm beginning a new message series this weekend from the book of James, I would love to see you at either 9 or 10:45!

- Pastor Spencer