Strongholds are burdens in our lives. They require pruning – removal from our lives.

During the growing season, the vine carries a heavy burden of branches, bull canes, unproductive shoots and is still expected to produce fruit. It is like strongholds in our lives that prevent us from living the best life that God planned for us.

Pruning season allows the vinetender to free the vine of all burden and give it a fresh start with intentional buds focused on fruit production. We call this renewal.

“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.” John 15:1-2

You will be surprised how many strongholds clutter your time. Prunings on the ground always look like more than they did on the vine.

The new year provides us the same opportunities to assess the distractions and strongholds in our lives. We can “prune” those away by committing ourselves to freedom from them and keeping our eyes focused on the Lord Jesus Christ who will help us succeed.

Even when we fail, God is gracious and faithful to redeem us and forgive us if we repent and change our hearts in obedience to him.

May your New Year’s resolutions provide you a fresh start to a productive new year. Pray that the Lord will help you to be an overcomer.