When I first heard of the concept of pruning, it didn’t sound fun. I heard it in the Bible first in John 15:1-2, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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.”

It sounded harsh. I thought, why would He mess with something that’s already bearing fruit? 

How can cutting it bear more fruit? 

In my walk with God and my journey in business, I’ve realized that the calling He’s placed on my life requires me to flourish. I now understand that the pruning is to eliminate what is unnecessary to the call. 

Healthy Things Still Need Pruning

At least once a year, I will go through my old business notes to see what I can still implement and what I can throw away because it no longer applies. I don’t take purposeless notes, so when it was written, there was good intent to execute. But time goes on, things change and now it’s clutter. Growth can create clutter if you don’t regularly examine what still aligns with where God is taking you.

Entrepreneurs often hold onto ideas, commitments, habits and opportunities because they once worked well. But healthy growth requires maintenance. A tree that is never pruned can become overcrowded and weighed down. The unnecessary branches steal nutrients from the fruit-producing ones. The same thing can happen to us, both spiritually and professionally, when we refuse to let go

Pruning may look like simplifying your workload, restructuring your routine, ending partnerships or even stepping away from opportunities that no longer serve you. Hebrews 12:11 says it will feel uncomfortable, but God is interested in developing a sustainable character in you. Pruning can feel (and look) like loss before it feels like growth. When letting go feels counterproductive in a culture that praises “more,” but you have peace, rest assured, you are being pruned for greatness. 

God Will Remove What You’ve Outgrown

Sometimes you’re prepared for this and sometimes you’re not, but God will remove what no longer needs to be in your life regardless of whether you agree. The mind is often the last thing to realize when it’s time to move on. We become emotionally attached to environments, relationships and old versions of ourselves because they brought comfort or stability. But growth requires movement, and movement requires release. Remember the phrase, “reasons and seasons.” God will call you away from habits that once protected and comforted you, business strategies that once worked and relationships that once encouraged you because they will no longer support where He’s taking you. 

It’s confusing, and you may grieve, but do not associate it with failure. God rarely expands people while allowing them to remain completely comfortable.

Not Every Opportunity is Assignment

When you understand the process of your own pruning, you’ll begin to develop deeper discernment. You’ll stop assuming that every opportunity placed in front of you is automatically from God. Opportunities will arrive simply because you’re talented and capable! Vet them well, and don’t allow them to quietly pull you away from your divine mission. That’s a sneaky way for the enemy to attack and delay your blessings. 

Jesus’ ministry displays this well – He did not heal every person in every town or respond to every demand placed on Him. There were endless needs surrounding Him, but He was intentional and moved according to the Father’s direction. Read the gospels, books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, often to keep His guidance in your heart. 

As you continue growing, ask God to sharpen your ability to distinguish between what is merely available and what is actually assigned to you. Every “yes” costs something – time, energy, attention, creativity or peace. Wisdom is knowing what deserves access to those things and what needs to be lovingly declined. You are being pruned for greatness, and I have faith in you. 

Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Perennial Peaces, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending human understanding of God’s love and being a source of peace on Earth. Her true work began after victory over depression, and her calling is to provide peace through her Divine gifts to help women and girls accept who they are. Follow the mission on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & Pinterest: @perennialpeaces.