If you are a Christian, you are going to be pruned. Count on it. (…) God cuts off branches that we feel are productive so that more fruit may be produced. This can be confusing. We believe we are being fruitful and are puzzled, even frustrated, by God’s pruning. We ask, “Why are you doing this God?” (…) Isn’t that what we say when he prunes us? “Don’t you love me? Don’t you care? Don’t you see what’s going on?” And we think God is angry with us. No, he’s not angry. One of the biggest mistakes Christians make is confusing pruning with punishment. Pruning is not punishment, so don’t equate the two. God is not angry with you. He just sees that you are someone who can bear more fruit, someone who has the potential for greatness; someone he wants to use in a significant way. He wants you to be as fruitful as you possible can be, so he prunes you back, even loping off some of the things he has been blessing in your life. (…) It is not just deadwood that goes. God often cuts back good things too, in order to make us healthier. It is not always pleasant, but pruning is absolutely essential for spiritual growth. It is not optional. Remember, God is glorified when we bear “much fruit” (John 15:8), and that requires pruning.
Rick Warren
Rick Warren, God’s Power To Change Your Life, 2006, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, p.224-225