Ecclesiastes 12:8

⁸ “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Everything is meaningless!”      

Many backyard fruit trees are not regularly pruned, and they become undesirable sight. Trees occupy much space in the yard and that could be one probable reason why city residents don’t like to grow fruit trees in their yard. Knowledge in horticulture is needed.

  A viewer watched an online video about pruning a neglected apple tree. “It doesn’t make sense. Why is he removing many branches of that beautiful tree?” the viewers thought. He turned on the speaker on his computer and clicked on the caption of the video to hear and see explanation why branches of the apple tree were removed.

The person on the video explained that pruning opens space for sunlight and air flow. Fruit trees produce much quality fruits when they get more sunlight and better air flow. Thick foliage or too much leaves increases the risk of plant disease. Removing vigorous but unfruitful branches regulates growth of the tree. Proper pruning induces new fruit buds.

Similarly, observers may suppose that it makes no sense when members leave the church. Is it possible that members leave the church because of divine intervention? Jesus said that he himself will build his church (Matt. 16:18), and that the Father will cut off unfruitful branches but fruitful branches will be pruned (John 15:2). It is very painful situation when acquaintances leave the church. Nevertheless, we have to keep trusting that God allows painful situations for our good.

It says in Lamentation 3:25-26, ²⁵The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; ²⁶it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

We will still face congregational or personal difficulties, but by faith, we have firm confidence that God does what’s best for us.

Lord Jesus, help me trust you in every situation.

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