pour yourself a glass of good wine - part one
Some time ago, I watched a documentary about the Burgundy wine region in France. Burgundy produces some of the best wines in the world. It is a beautiful region with rolling hills and hundreds of acres of vineyards.
At one point, the program host walked through the vineyard with the owner. He directed the cameraman to focus on the soil amid the vineyard. The interviewer then commented how rocky the ground appeared. "How do you grow grapevines in such dreadful soil," he asked. The owner passionately replied, "Oh yes, the soil here is rocky and tough. It is perfect for growing wonderful grapes! You see, grapevines must struggle and fight to produce superior grapes! That is what makes the best wine." The Burgundy region has limestone soil which produces wines like Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. This type of soil drains well but retains water in dry seasons.
Wow, who would have guessed? One would think that the best wine would come from the dark, rich soil. However, some of the best earth for superior vino is not the most productive for many other plants. Grapevines can thrive in rugged environments.
When God removed humanity from the Garden of Eden, He proclaimed that the ground would not quickly produce fruit. It would be full of weeds and lack nourishment. Fruitfulness would require much labor. From the beginning, God informed us that life on earth would be difficult. This revelation seems like bad news. But what appears to be true is not always reality.
Burgundy soil reminds me of Jesus' comment that life would generate many challenges. The entire New Testament is replete with teachings concerning the difficulty of existence. Hundreds of Bible pages chronicle the struggles of thousands of people from every walk of life. However, Jesus encouraged us to take heart because He overcame all of the trouble of the world. Well, that's great for Jesus, but what about the rest of us? What does His triumph have to do with my problems? How do I tap into His victory?
John, Jesus' close friend, relayed the Master's instructions, which help us solve this dilemma. John, chapter fifteen contains Jesus teaching about vineyards and how they apply to us. There were, and are, many vineyards in Israel, so the average person would have quickly understood His points. The Teacher explained that He is the vine, and we are the branches. He added that the only way we can bear fruit – make good grapes grow from rocky soil – is to abide in Him. What we draw from the rocky soil of life must first pass through Him for it to be useful for us. He went so far as to say that apart from Him, we could do absolutely nothing. Problem solved!
You see, rocky soil encourages us to depend upon God for nourishment, strength, and health. Christ, the life-giving vine, provides us what we require in order to keep moving forward. In Him, we translate tragedy, pain, and struggle into the superb wine of God.
Commenting on the benefits of failure, Walt Disney once said: "All the adversity I've had in my life, all the troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." – Walt Disney
2019 was the worst year of my life. From the time my wife passed on October 18th, 2018, my existence became very difficult through the coming year. After nearly two years of laser focus upon supporting Gail through the pancreatic cancer trail of tears, I was exhausted, full of big questions for God, a little angry, and somewhat lost. Though I experienced numerous enjoyable times with family and friends, I was a wanderer. I tried to recapture my zeal for my pastorate and life in general to no avail. I made bad choices and hurt some close friends along the way. Most people would not have recognized this process, but God knew.
Somewhere in that period, I returned to a process that has served me well. I regained focus upon my friendship with Jesus. It was not that I had lost this relationship, but the nature of it changed. While my wife was ill, most of my discussion with the Lord revolved around cancer. God, would you please heal my beloved. Father, please use this illness to Your glory? What does it look like to be the husband of a loving wife dying of a miserable disease? Lord, what treatments should we try? Jesus, please don't let her be miserable from chemotherapy, etcetera.
But now Gail was gone, never to return. Now what? I clawed my way back to John 15, one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.
Jesus' recommendation for navigating struggle is to develop, cultivate and enjoy an ever-deepening relationship with Him. I opened my veins to sustenance from the Vine.
I returned to my "prayer chair" and altar each morning. I opened my Bible and read and read and read. I highlighted sentences and words that spoke to me. I journaled my raw thoughts. I asked God tough questions, expressed my anger, begged for forgiveness, and made "thankful" lists to counterbalance my sadness. I held ongoing discussions with the Teacher throughout the day. I emoted my feelings with trusted friends and family members.
Slowly, it seemed like a snail's pace; I felt nourished by the One Source who had always helped me to interpret and navigate life – Jesus. Once again, my Friend proved faithful.
If you are struggling, I highly recommend the perspectives and practices I have outlined. Growing in rocky soil is not easy, but it often produces royal fruit.
However, I want to explore this subject more thoroughly with you. The Sage's guidance begs the question, "How does one abide in the Vine?" In my next article, I'll explore in greater depth, how one "abides" in the Vine.
