Author Darlene J. Conard

I sank into the cushions at the far end of my sofa, enveloped in shadows, the dim light of the room barely reaching me. My head leaned against the cool, soft backrest fabric as thoughts swirled around in my mind, heavy and suffocating. I couldn’t help but ask myself, “What is wrong with me?” The question echoed in the silence, amplifying my confusion and unease. I wasn’t depressed; God had answered a prayer I had been praying about for almost a year. Yet, something didn’t feel right.

“God, please reveal to me what is wrong with me.” I gently closed my eyes and envisioned a plant struggling in a pot far too small for its large roots. The plant became rootbound. Its green leaves drooped instead of thriving. The leaves reached out in desperation, yearning for support and nourishment, yet they felt lost in the vastness surrounding them. “The Holy Spirit replied, “You’ve outgrown your pot. You’ve become uncomfortable with your usual surroundings. Then the scriptures came to me…   “no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”

As we journey through life, we often find ourselves transcending the comfort of our familiar surroundings. The methods of prayer and how we once engaged with our Bibles may start to feel inadequate, leaving us yearning for a deeper connection. This sense of restlessness prompts us to expand our spiritual horizons, to grow and stretch ourselves in preparation for the larger purpose God has in store for us—the new vessel He wishes to place us. We embark on this transformative journey seeking a richer, more fulfilling experience of faith, ready to embrace the changes that lie ahead. My life revolves around the supernatural. That’s who I am; I’ve had to learn to walk in it. We should never be comfortable with a routine!

I understand that everyone’s spiritual journey is unique, and personal growth in faith can vary widely from one person to another. Some may feel a deep connection and calling to serve in specific ways, while others might discover their path differently. It’s essential to recognize that not everyone is meant to pursue the same purpose or possess the same gifts. Each individual’s relationship with God is distinct and unfolds at its own pace, leading to a beautiful diversity in how we express our beliefs and contribute to our communities.

I want to encourage you to allow God to replant you on new territory in heavenly places.

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish.  My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

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