He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. | John 15:2

If you currently find yourself in a season of pruning, take heart! You are being prepared for more—increase and promotion are coming.

John 3:30 says, “He must become greater; I must become less.” As uncomfortable as the pruning process may be, I believe that God is longing to encourage us as we continue to press into His heart. The Lord will honor our obedience as we allow Him to cut away the things that distract us from our Savior. He is going after our hearts in this season. Though you may feel a momentary discomfort, the work that the Lord is completing within you is good. For “no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

I sense that in this season there are many distractions seeking to come against the body of Christ. Do not let these distractions draw you away from your first Love. The Lord, in His goodness, is allowing us to feel the discomfort of pruning so that we will run to Him and not become ensnared or lured by the traps of the enemy. God is desiring to pour out more of His Spirit in this season, bestowing gifts and increase on those who have stewarded well what the Father has given them. He who has been faithful with little is also faithful in much (Luke 16:10).

Increase and promotion are on the way! Keep your eyes upon the Faithful One, amidst the distractions and noise. There are many voices clamoring for our attention in this hour. Fight for your time in the secret place; He will meet you there. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6).

Now, more than ever, we need to hear the Lord and seek out His heart for direction during this time of great transition—transitions around the world, and for many, transitions in their own, personal life. Do not fear, even in the turbulence and shaking. Know that the Lord your God is working His purposes. As you continue to cling to the Father and abide in Him, you will be kept safe from harm (Psalm 121).

Our best days are rapidly approaching us, and this turbulence will soon be settling down. As we allow the Lord to work His purposes in us, continuing to press into Him, we will come forth even more sensitive to the Lord’s voice. He is refining us like gold.

Again, press into His heart, for there is nothing to fear. The Lord is enlarging you and preparing you to steward well the increase, promotion, and favor that is coming. Soon, you will spread out to the right and to the left (Isaiah 54:3). Allow the Lord to have first place in your heart. God is working His purposes in you, and the best is yet to come!