Steve Alessi: Author of Alessi’s Angle, Pastor of Metro Life Church in Miami, Husband of World Renown Worship Leader Mary Alessi and Father of Four.
Recently, I spent a few days with my wife in Napa Valley, California, celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful time just kicking back and enjoying the serenity of the vineyards and beautiful mountains surrounding the region and, to our fortune, we visited during harvest season when the vines are filled with beautiful clusters of grapes, creating a lot of buzz and activity around town.
On one of our stops, we visited the Beaulieu Vineyards, which is one of my favorite Napa wines, and our host Peter gave us the grand tour. Along the way, we were inspecting the vines from the vineyard and learned that the region was perfect for wine production due to the little rain fall in the area. That in turn causes the roots of the vine to dig deep into the hard, rocky soil of the earth, and fight through drought-like conditions in order to find a water source. Naturally, one would think that the lack of water would cause the vines to die, but that's not the case. The opposite occurs, in that the lack of water doesn't kill the vines, but instead strengthens them by causing the roots to fight harder and go deeper in order to find a water source.
Meanwhile, the vinedresser is happy to let the roots of the vine do all the fighting because he's hoping the fight in the roots translates back into the grapes. So in winemaking, one of the keys to producing an excellent wine begins in the root's ability to fight through seemingly unbearable circumstances. The greater the fight of the vine, the sweeter the grape … and the sweeter the grape, the better the wine.
That right there should make you look at the things you're going through a little differently. Instead of dreading the fight and trying to pray away the hard times, be thankful for them and try to find out what they're producing in you. It's not time to give up or give in – it's time to keep fighting and digging deeper so that you can stand strong, endure the hard times, and succeed. You are going to win, as long as you don't quit in the fight. Sure, your enemy is banking on you throwing in the towel because that's the only way he'll win. But not now, not tomorrow, not ever. There's no quitting. This fight is producing greatness in you!
So the next time someone asks you how you're doing, just simply answer, "I'm doing better than fine wine!"
I enjoy hearing from you so let me know how you've been able to starve your doubts and feed your faith.
Missed ya Pastor! Glad your back! AS always rocking Blog! Love it "Better than Fine Wine" I could have used that line few weeks ago as I felt things were a bit shaky!!! But, yes unlike other years where I would drown IN THE WINE to forget what I was faced with I now can drown myself in the one who one day converted the water into wine The Ultimate Wine Maker "Jesus" ! knowing that if He can change the small things for the better (water into wine) then I know that I know that I know that He can make it all the better for me and mine and in believing in that I can testify He Has! God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
Pastor this blog is right on the money. It provides a beautiful picture of the prayer posture I've been in during this season of transition and while reading the "Circle Maker". More fight, more faith, more favor (and FLAVOR!)....
Great Blog Pastor Steve! Lamont & I will have to add Napa Valley to our Bucket List. Glad you & Pastor Mary took the time off for each other and celebrated not only 25 years of marriage but your born day as well!
Failure is NOT an option! Throwing in the towel, what is that? lol
I stand firm on the PROMISES that God has for me, 2Kings 20:5! I will say this the Devil has tried and continues to try to knock me down and has not succeeded! I recently had an Outpatient Surgical procedure (Thursday, Oct. 18th). I was suppose to stay home rest all weekend(the docor said I would be in pain, uncomfortable, etc..) Friday morning I woke up with no pain as if nothing happened. I rested, I didn't over do it (didn't do anything but spend some time in God's presence). At 5pm, I got myself ready to go to Infuz! Lamont said "where do you think your going"? Long story short, I submitted to my husband and decided that I would stay home.
My husband saw the look on my face and said "Would you like me to drive you to Infuz"? YES, PLEASE! Sunday, I started to feel sluggish, uncomfortable but I said "OH No you don't"...got myself to church, to take part in Honoring my Beloved Pastors and my kids (well, okay your kids). lol
I have a Partner at work, anytime I ask him "how are you"? He says, "If I were any better, I wouldn't know what to do with myself", and walks away with a smile. I have to tell you that his wife is battling Cancer today!Apparently, "Throwing in the towel" is not an option for him or his wife because she's still fighting. How you like them apples or grapes?! lol
"The greater the fight of the vine the sweeter the grape, the better the wine. "
oh yeah... I love it! :)
Obviously the fight part is not so exiting, it can be exhausting, but to know that victory is at the finish line sure is sweet. That is the written truth that keeps me in my fight.
My favorite verse this season, the one I've been circling and will continue to circle until I reap the harvest is
John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. if you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit..
I know He is faithful to keep His promise to me.