“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins,
spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins.”
Through this fast I have experienced excitement, determination, strength and the mountain top. I have also experienced a dullness, heaviness, defeat and the valley. Much like a father teaching his son (or daughter) to ride a bicycle, he must let go. "Hold on daddy, don't let go....you still got me?!" Man I have cried that alot. There is always that comfort though, I may not can see Him, but I can hear him encouraging me all the way. I have learned that His instruction, His teaching is life changing. My Father is wanting to pour into me ALL that He has for me. But scripture says that He knows how much of that we can take. In pouring into us, the old must be removed....DAILY! Because He wants to renew me daily. He even let's me be apart of the renewing, so I can feel good about it too! Romans 12:2 says: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
He doesn't need my help, but like a great father, He let's me be apart of the renewing process.even though I might mess things up. He can fix it, and it will be better!
What about the old stuff...the old way of thinking....the old attitude.....the old habits and addictions.....the old outlook? He also taught me that old and new don't mix. Let me explain.
Luke 5:37-38 NLT
“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins,
spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins.”
Two things that do not mix: new wine and old wineskins. The reason is simple: old wineskins cannot grow and stretch to hold the new wine. The new wine God wants to fill you with is expansive; it is a picture of God’s Spirit. It always brings an enlargement. A container that is dead, dry, stiff and shrinking back cannot be entrusted as a storehouse for God’s valued treasure. Our vessels must be prepared for the fresh, dynamic, living presence of God –
everything we do will flow from it. This preparation comes through prayer and fasting, producing a container that is ready for the new thing God wants to do. God’s new wine always changes us – it expands our faith, enlarges our purpose, and brings renewed vision.
Everything God does is expansive, He is not into shrinking wineskins – it is up to us to shed them. As we seek Him in this season, let’s shed the old wineskin and ask God to fully prepare our hearts for what’s to come.
What has caused you to shrink back in your expectation of what God wants to do in your life?
Are you ready to be expanded beyond recognition? That’s what God’s new wine will do in and through you. Pray the Lord will expand your life to glorify Him, giving you boldness to step out and be all and everything He desires you to be.
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