New Wine

Jammed in between the asphalt driveway and the cement foundation of our house, grows a cactus native to Colorado high deserts. Now he’s a long way from home. I planted it there four years ago when we moved to Waukon. I realized that starting a church would be a tough thing and that for this cactus to grow in such a less than ideal situation would also be tough. He would be my partner. He and I kind of have a relationship. At least as far as a person can relate to a plant. Every year I watch him. I pull weeds from around him and make sure he has all the sun the summer can provide.

I don’t think most would have given him a chance. Waukonian’s don’t see many cacti around none the less see them grow. But it’s a new thing. New things are sometimes met with skepticism or even unbelief. Those who don’t see the value in a cactus in Iowa just write him off. “Why would there be a cactus in Iowa?” “Cacti are not supposed to grow here.” “Why would anyone want a cactus?” But none the less the little guy winter after winter has continued to grow. From one barrel head to now over 16. Storms, floods, baking sun, standing next to hot asphalt and dark winters buried in feet of snow.

Yesterday, he did something completely unexpected. He blossomed. Produced fruit! All his hard work and determination in a dry, weary land has produced fruit, beauty. Regardless of what anyone ever said, he kept going. He endured. He matured. And everyone who sees him today says, “Wow! Isn’t that beautiful?” “Incredible! A cactus in Iowa! Where can I get one?”

The Bible tells us God is doing a “New Thing.” It says he can’t pour new wine into an old wine skin. We are being prepared to produce great things. We must endure, stand our ground, and be ourselves. Let God change us and use us. In due time, He will lift us up and everyone that passes by will say, “Wow! That’s amazing! In Iowa! In Waukon! It must be a God Thing.”

If you haven’t checked out Ironridge church, maybe you should. You will find a young growing community of Christians that realize they are not perfect, but are pressing forward to discover God’s plan for them. Together we will grow. Weather the storms. Believe in each other and that God is working in our midst. And we will in due time, blossom, to the benefit of all of those around us.