Ready

When the storms pass, what remains? Little is recognizable of our former self; we are ruined by standards we set. But at this time, the Lord calls us ready. His anger may bring the storms, but His love calms the skies. To be used, we must first be prepared; broken in parts to be remade a new creation.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

When the dead wood has been torn away, it is time for new growth.