Supported by the Gardener
When we’re tangled or weighed down, He lifts us to grow again
John 15:1–8, 16 | Matthew 13:22 | Jeremiah 2:21
Last Sunday, Pastor Jay continued the series Entangled to Entwined ~~
In John 15, Jesus gives us a beautiful metaphor of spiritual connection—He is the life-giving Vine, and we are the branches. We thrive when we stay connected to Him. Our calling is to bear fruit—not just busyness or accomplishments — the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
But let’s be honest: even when we’re clinging tightly to the Vine, we sometimes feel more like a wilted prune than a plump grape. Life’s worries—deadlines, laundry, drama, taxes— wrap around us like overgrown weeds. Add in the pressure to succeed or prove ourselves, and we’re suddenly too tangled in stress to even remember where the fruit was supposed to come from.
It’s not just “unfruitful” branches that struggle. Sometimes even the ones that have grown the most get weighed down by all that growth. Without a strong support system, even a thriving branch can end up tangled in the dirt.
But here’s the hope: the Father, our patient Gardener, doesn’t cut us off. He lifts us up. The Greek word in John 15:2 is airó—to raise, elevate, bring into the light. He cleans us off, sets us right, and supports us to grow again
Often, that lifting comes through people God places in our lives.
There’s a beautiful example of this in the film Hidden Figures. Katherine Johnson, a brilliant NASA mathematician is nearly crushed under racism and gender barriers. Her gift is undeniable—but the system offers no support. Her potential is real, but it’s buried.
Then, something changes. Her supervisor begins to see what’s happening. In one memorable scene, he smashes a “Whites Only” bathroom sign with a crowbar. It’s not just dramatic —it’s a symbolic lifting. He removes an obstacle, lifts her up, and offers support.
Katherine didn’t suddenly become more gifted—she was always brilliant. But that support allowed her to flourish. Her calculations helped launch John Glenn into orbit. Her gifts, once lifted, changed history.
It’s the same for us. We may feel unfruitful, stuck in the dirt, or entangled in things we didn’t choose. But God doesn’t give up on us. He lifts us, restores us, and helps us connect to the support we need to become fruitful again.
Connection Reflections::
• Are there any “worries of life” or ambitions that are entangling you right now?
• Have you ever mistaken a season of being tangled for being fruitless?
• Is there someone in your life who might be quietly brilliant and need encouragement, a listening ear, or a reminder they’re not alone?
At The Bridge, there are many opportunities to strengthen your connection to the True Vine and connect with a support system that can help you become more fruitful: Connect Groups, Men’s & Women’s Ministries, Bible Studies, Press & Play Nights, and more.
Let us know how we can support you and your family!