by T.D. Jakes
What did I learn from the book? Pastor Jakes uses the analogy of growing grapes and processing them into wine to describe our journey in life. It is imperative that our live’s painful detours be hidden from us before they occur, lest we forfeit the entire trip toward our future because of our discomfort with being diverted. In a moment, these crushing places feel like they will destroy us and derail our journey from what we’ve determined is our destination. We wonder where God is and why He would allow us to hurt so deeply. But these crushing places also reveal there’s more to our lives than what we had planned. They force us to reset our compass on God. Transformation requires sacrifice. God is invested in developing us into something we would never be without His direct intervention. Everything that has ever happened to you happened for a reason. During our toughest and most challenging times, it can be hard to comprehend what God is up to. We may curse the pain and even doubt God’s faithfulness. It’s while we’re sleeping in the valleys that God does His best work because He does not need our help as He transforms us. He only requires our faith and humility.
How am I going to use this book? I am convinced that God made me who I am in the low places of my life. It’s the nights that I’ve cried myself to sleep that God has used to develop me into the person I am today. I know God’s going to do something, but I don’t know when. I know He is going to bless me, but I don’t know how. Until that time, I am going to keep following Him and obey His Word.
Good word Michael