Life often feels like a series of unexplainable trials and challenges. Perhaps you’ve found yourself wondering, Why am I going through this? What is God trying to do in my life? These seasons of hardship can leave us questioning God’s purpose and plan. Yet, it is precisely in these moments of crushing and pressing that God works in us to bring forth something new and extraordinary—just as grapes are crushed to produce wine. This transformative process is not meant to destroy us but to refine and prepare us for a greater calling.
As I was working out and listening to the song “New Wine” by Todd Galberth, I found so much solace, comfort, and peace in knowing that greater is coming. The lyrics reminded me that the crushing and pressing seasons in our lives are not the end; they are the beginning of God doing something powerful and transformative. It is in these moments of surrender that He prepares us for the new wine—His greater purpose for our lives.
Inspired by the poignant lyrics, “In the crushing, in the pressing, You are making new wine,” we are invited to reflect on how surrendering to God in times of difficulty can lead to spiritual growth, renewal, and a deeper relationship with Him.
The Crushing and Pressing: God’s Refining Process
The words “crushing” and “pressing” evoke images of pain, loss, and brokenness. These seasons feel overwhelming, stripping us of comfort and security. Yet, these moments are not random; they are intentional parts of God’s process of refining us, much like grapes being prepared for wine.
The Bible provides powerful examples of individuals who endured such moments of crushing and pressing, only to emerge stronger and ready for their divine purpose:
- Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned. It wasn’t until years later that he realized God was positioning him to save nations. What Joseph likely saw as an unjust trial was, in fact, part of God’s master plan.
- David spent years running from King Saul, hiding in caves, and questioning his own future. Yet, in those lonely moments, God was shaping him into the greatest king of Israel.
- Jesus Himself endured the ultimate crushing on the cross, bearing the weight of humanity’s sin. Out of that sacrifice came the ultimate victory—salvation and eternal life for all who believe.
These examples remind us that what feels unbearable in the moment is often preparing us for something far greater. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”Best gifts for your loved ones
Real-Life Examples of Refinement
Take Sarah, a young woman who lost her job unexpectedly. Initially devastated, she turned to God, surrendering her fears and frustrations. In the months that followed, she discovered a passion for writing and began sharing her story online. Her vulnerability resonated with others, leading her to a new career where she inspires thousands. What felt like crushing and pressing was God’s way of breaking new ground in her life.
Similarly, consider Michael, who faced a painful health diagnosis. Initially, it felt like the end of his plans, but through his journey, he found a deeper faith and the opportunity to encourage others battling similar struggles.
For parents, a pressing season might look like navigating challenges with their children, learning to trust God’s hand in their family’s future. For someone facing a broken relationship, the pressing could be an invitation to lean on God as a healer and provider.
Could the pressing in your life be God’s way of drawing out something new and beautiful? Ask yourself: What might God be revealing in me through this season of challenge?
The Soil of Surrender: Trusting God’s Careful Hand
Surrender is one of the most challenging aspects of faith. It requires us to give up control, to trust that God’s careful hand is at work even when we cannot see the full picture. The lyrics remind us, “So I yield to You and to Your careful hand. God, I trust You, I don’t need to understand.”
This kind of trust is not passive; it’s an active choice to believe that God’s plans are higher than our own. Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Surrendering doesn’t mean giving up—it means placing your faith in God’s wisdom and goodness. Think of a gardener carefully tending to the soil, ensuring that every seed planted has the best chance to flourish. Similarly, God is working carefully in your life, breaking new ground to cultivate His purpose within you.
Reflection Prompt: Where in your life is God asking you to trust Him? Consider writing down one area where you feel resistance and pray for the courage to surrender it to His careful hand.
Becoming a Vessel: Living as an Offering
“Make me Your vessel, make me an offering. Make me whatever You want me to be.” This prayer captures the essence of humility and willingness. It’s a cry of surrender that invites God to shape us into vessels for His glory.
To live as a vessel for God is to be available for His purpose, allowing Him to pour His Spirit into us and through us to bless others. Romans 12:1 encourages us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This sacrificial act of worship involves embracing the process of crushing and pressing, trusting that it will lead to the production of new wine—a life overflowing with God’s grace.
New Wine: The Fruit of Transformation
New wine symbolizes transformation, renewal, and abundance. It is the evidence of God’s refining process at work in our lives. The lyrics proclaim, “Jesus, bring new wine out of me.” This is a declaration of faith that God’s work in us will not be in vain.
Jesus said in Matthew 9:17, “Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” To receive the new wine, we must let go of old patterns, habits, and mindsets. God often uses pressing seasons to make room for this transformation.
Conclusion: Trusting the Process
The crushing and pressing seasons of life are not easy, but they are necessary for growth. It’s natural to wonder why God allows us to endure pain, but in those moments, He invites us to trust that He is near, working for our good even when the path forward feels hidden.
This week, reflect on these questions: Where is God breaking new ground in your life? What old wineskins might He be asking you to release? Pray for the courage to trust Him and let go of what no longer serves His purpose.
Through the process, may we echo the prayer: “Make me Your vessel, make me an offering, make me whatever You want me to be.” God is making something beautiful out of your life. Trust the process. New wine is coming.