Cutting branches.

"I am the true vine; my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. And he trims and cleans every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch cannot produce fruit alone but must remain in the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit alone but must remain in me."

John 15: 1-4 

I've definitely felt the sting as the Holy Spirit has trimmed away at me lately. I moaned and complained about how painful the recent transitional season in my life was because I let the pain cloud my vision. It wasn't until later that I realized that transitions are painful because it's during painful moments that I'm shaped and molded into a more beautiful, and better prepared disciple. I had to endure the pain of the transition so that I could be ready to enter into the next season of my life. God orchestrates the segues in our lives for specific and divine purposes which we don't always recognize. But the Master Architect knows what He's doing, if only I would learn to trust in Him! Transitions are like sandpaper, sanding down our bumps and imperfections so that the slate is smooth and ready to serve its ordained purpose. God is using this transition in my life to show me just how much I need Him. He alone is the source of my joy, my strength, and my peace. It may take a few more painful transitions before I truly abandon myself to His perfect will, but I'm closer now than I once was.