Grapes are a wonderful thing, fruit of the vine, supplied with life from the branches, showered with the rain and warmed by the sun drawing nutrients from the earth. They embody the sweetness and joy of our creator and our fellowship with Him. They require, like us, much care and attention to grow to the fullness of their potential. They are brought to the point of perfection and then given over to the wine press.

Just like the grapes there comes crushing and bruising time to us all. Life on this earth, circumstances and rubbing elbows with others brings moments which test our faith. Even to the point of despair and doubting our call and walk before the Lord. This time of walking through ,what can feel like, the valley of the shadow of death will bring out the true nature underneath all the facades. That trauma tends to lead us to separate from the pain in one way or another. It’s as though our very life blood has been drained out.

Then comes the time of hiding away, the being set aside to become wine. To become what our Papa intended all along, an intoxicating fragrance of His very life on this earth for others to see. The fermentation process slowly works on the grape juice to convert it to a completely new thing. It illustrates how we bottle things up and hold them inside where they can ferment into something precious. At the same time, we can possibly fester into vinegar if we don’t watch the path we take. Just as the wine master must take care over his barrels and bottles turning them regularly and keeping them in the proper environment. So Papa watches over us in this process protecting and providing for our every need in the hidden place.

It is in the mystery of the cellar where we step in His Word, soak in His presence, rest in His bosom and grow into the fullness of who He has for us. As such we are prepared for the revealing of His Sons and Daughters who will bring forth His Kingdom on this earth. Do not despise the time in the barrel but know that the new wine which emerges will be poured out on all and bring in the glorious Day of the Lord. Prepare to be poured out when the vintage is ready, that day is soon approaching.