Grace Upon Grace

Lessons From the Vineyard

Last summer, a friend and I took a trip to wine country in the Willamette Valley. Unbeknownst to me, God had some lessons from the vineyard that He wanted to show me.  

At one winery we entered a tasting room, where we sampled several wines.  As a pinot noir was presented to us, we were asked to describe what notes (aromas and flavors) we observed.  Even though I’m not much of a wine connoisseur, I immediately tasted charcoal.  The sommelier said that indeed the wine has a smokey note, because of the wildfires which Oregon experienced in 2020.   The grape absorbed the flavor of the environment. Subsequently, this created the unique and highly sought-after wine we were tasting.

Lessons from the Vineyard

This amazing fact made me pause.  When I think of wildfires, I think of devastation and destruction.  But here was an example of something good resulting from a wildfire.  Similarly, could God, through our struggles and hardships, be creating a unique blend in us?  What if through our pain, God is preparing and equipping us for a greater purpose? To my delight, God was giving me a Lesson from the Vineyard.

God Can Redeem Our Wildfires

Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world that includes death, disease, and suffering.  However, God can redeem even the ugliness of this world and make something good.  Romans 8:28 states, And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God, and who are called according to his purpose.

Often we hear of examples where endurance has created passion.  Frequently, careers and ministries are birthed through brokenness.  Only God, who loves us and wants the best for us, can rescue us from the ashes of our wildfires. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, and will bring you back from captivity,” declares the Lord.  Jeremiah 29:11-14

In his power and love, God can redeem what is broken in our lives!

Lord Jesus, life is often difficult and painful.  Help me to not lose heart.  Help me to trust that you are perfecting and refining me, to create a unique, highly sought-after blend.  Amen.

Questions to Consider:

1. What wildfire are you facing in life?  
2. How do you see God creating something good from your personal brokenness?