We once had a lantana that looked like dried twigs. It was on its way to the burn pile until some healthy leaves began spreading themselves up and down some of the skinny limbs. A few days later one section yielded two budding flowers, giving this little plant some hope.

So I took the scissors to the dried branches.

I wasn’t sure if this little plant would yield more than the two visible buds. What I knew is it needs love in the form of care and attention that it might have a shot at bearing more of the pink and yellow lantana awaiting new life.

In the process of pruning, I accidentally pruned two twigs with leaves on them. I was a little saddened that these would not be given a chance to grow more.

I thought of I Samuel 16:7, and a few spiritual lessons came to mind.

But the LORD said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. – I Samuel 16:7

I ruminated on God’s ability to look upon the human heart and how his mercy revives fallen humanity. He used a young Jewish boy named David because his heart was bent towards the Lord. David learned his lessons – good and bad – and passed on his praises (Psalm 16) and laments (Psalm 31) to others for God’s glory.

God also raises dead souls to spiritual life. I think of the apostle Paul who was too far gone as a murderer of Christ-lovers in the eyes of some. But God raised him from spiritual death to life (Philippians 1:21). The result was that God’s Kingdom was spread through teachings about Christ via Paul’s letters to the early church.

I also thought of the fact that God never accidentally prunes a Christian; gifts may lay dormant, but in time, he gives everyone a chance to use their gifts for his glory if the heart is good. Abraham and Sarah’s bodies were as good as dead (Hebrews 11:12), but God brought a great nation as countless as the stars through their son Isaac.

God’s wise pruning is uncomfortable, but in the end, it is healing to our flesh and strength to our bones (Proverbs 3:7-8) that the Christ-follower might produce fruit that reflects God better today than yesterday.

Amazing!