Growth

I have been in a season of wondering. Asking God, what about this..., what about that... For much of my questioning, He has been silent. I might get a small glimpse of direction from reading scripture, but no revelation of why or where.

I have been watching a conversation with T.D. Jakes. He is talking about his book "Crushing: God turns Pressure into Power". He talked about the grape vine. There are very specific processes involved with tending grape vines.

The grape is one of very few crops that are grown to be crushed. It must be crushed to get the meat and juice so that wine or jam can be obtained. Its vine is cut and pruned so that it will produce more fruit. There is pain in extracting the desired result.

There is much that is exceptional in what he is saying but this hit me with a hammer; "In between fruit and more fruit is always a knife! God knows exactly where to cut you to make you grow more fruit."

T.D.Jakes

Perhaps you are feeling the crush of weight upon you today. Maybe the knife hurts more than usual. Be patient. Our natural world has seasons within it. There is a season when vibrant growth slows down or stops and it seems as though life has left and all appears to be dead. There is a season of darkness and bitter cold. But there is always a new season of growth on the other side of that darkness.

For many, this is the time for pruning. The old must be cut away to allow for new growth.

Just remember that God knows exactly where to cut you so that you will grow more fruit!

Rejoice, for you are greatly loved!