There’s a tension I’ve been living in lately, one that I know many of us have experienced—feeling like I’m being stretched thin between the demands of ministry, personal life, and God’s call for deeper growth. Recently, I took a leap of faith and stepped into a doctoral program in Missiology while continuing to lead Christian Life Center’s outreach ministries across five campuses. On top of that, we’ve planted our newest campus in West Boca. It’s been exhilarating, but if I’m honest, it’s been exhausting too. Keeping healthy rhythms has become a battle. It reminds me of the prophet Ezekiel’s vision, where the water rose and kept rising, until he was in over his head—completely at the mercy of the current. Sometimes, life feels just like that: overwhelming, chaotic, and out of control.

As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. ~ Prophet Ezekiel‬

This journey has revealed that the rhythms of Jesus—being alone with the Father, engaging in prayer, and pulling back from the crowds—aren’t just suggestions; they’re essential lifelines. Jesus knew when to withdraw, when to pray, and when to rest. In the same way, God has been pruning areas of my life, cutting back not just the bad but even some of the good, to produce something better—fruit that will last. Yet, pruning is never easy. It doesn’t make human sense to do less in order to achieve more, but God’s economy is different. As the Master Gardener and Vinedresser, He knows exactly what needs to be trimmed, even if it doesn’t feel logical or comfortable to us.

This lesson came to life recently through the story of my son, Noah. For the past two years, Noah has played every offensive down in every game for his city football team, the Tamarac Cougars. Out of 16 games, his team has won only one. It would have been easy for him to quit, to walk away discouraged. But instead, he kept showing up—every practice, every snap, every moment on the field. Through those two seasons, Noah has grown in ways that many players don’t until they’ve been on the field for years. His skills, grit, and character have deepened through the struggle. He’s now prepared for high school football not just because of his physical readiness but because of the perseverance that has been forged within him.

That’s the work of pruning—it develops the person inside while preparing us for what lies ahead. It’s like the parable of the vine in John 15, where Jesus reminds us that every branch that bears fruit is pruned so that it will bear even more. This principle isn’t natural to us. We think that more effort, more hours, and more hustle will bring greater results. But God says otherwise. Sometimes, He asks us to let go, to cut back, to rest—so that He can cultivate in us the fruitfulness He desires.

Personally, I’ve had to confront the challenge of doing less to make room for more impact. It’s not easy to step back and trust God with the outcomes, especially when so much seems to rest on my shoulders. But the pruning in my life—whether in ministry, relationships, or personal growth—has brought deeper dependence on Christ and greater clarity in my calling.

Here are three takeaways I’ve learned about persevering through seasons of pruning:

1. Lean into the process: Pruning hurts, but it’s a sign that God is preparing you for something greater. Instead of resisting, embrace the changes and trust that He knows what needs to be cut away.

2. Rest in God’s rhythms: Just as Jesus withdrew to pray and recharge, we must learn to find rest in God’s presence. Healthy rhythms sustain us through challenging seasons.

3. Trust the fruit will come: You might not see the results immediately, but trust that God is cultivating something within you. Like Noah’s football journey, the deep work being done now will prepare you for the next season.

In this season, I’ve come to realize that pruning is God’s invitation to deeper growth and greater fruitfulness. It may not make sense to us, but it’s a supernatural principle at work. As I navigate doctoral studies, plant new ministries, and strive to maintain healthy rhythms, I’m learning to trust the Master Gardener’s hand. His pruning isn’t punishment—it’s preparation. And in time, the fruit will come.

Let’s persevere together, trusting that even when we feel in over our heads, God is with us, pruning, guiding, and leading us into His perfect plan.