July 21, 2025

THERE WILL BE TESTING, AND PRUNING

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother. I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie.”

Galatians 1:17–20 NLT

---

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Paul’s words remind us that God’s preparation often happens away from the spotlight. After Paul’s dramatic conversion, he didn’t immediately begin preaching on big stages or seeking the approval of the original apostles in Jerusalem. Instead, God led him into the wilderness of Arabia for three years—a place of solitude, pruning, and deep personal revelation.

Why did Paul need this? Because the calling on his life was massive: he would become the chief theologian of the early church, a missionary to the Gentiles, and the writer of a large portion of the New Testament. But before the preaching came the pruning.

This is not unique to Paul. Moses spent forty years in the wilderness tending sheep before leading Israel out of Egypt. Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and prison for thirteen years before stepping into his God-given role as second-in-command of Egypt. David fled to the wilderness, hiding in caves for years while God shaped him to become a king after His own heart. Even Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness fasting and being tested before launching His public ministry.

These wilderness seasons—whether they are deserts, caves, prisons, or hidden places—are not punishments. They are God’s training grounds. The solitude, struggle, and testing strip us of self-reliance and fill us with a deeper dependence on God’s Spirit.

The principle is simple but powerful: No pruning, no power. No testing, no testimony. No wilderness, no wonder.

If we want the fruit, we must trust the route. It may feel barren and lonely at times, but the greatest growth often springs up from our greatest struggles.

---

TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, thank You for working in my life even when I can’t see it. Forgive me for complaining about the wilderness seasons. Teach me to trust that You are using every struggle to grow me and prepare me for what You’ve called me to do. Help me to embrace Your process, knowing that on the other side of pruning there is powerful fruit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”