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Crushing: God Turns Pressure into Power
Follow God's process for growth and find hope in life's darkest moments with Bishop T.D. Jakes's uplifting stories and advice from his own faith journey.
In this insightful book, #1 New York Times bestselling author T.D. Jakes wrestles with age-old questions: Why do the righteous suffer? Where is God in all the injustice?
Bishop Jakes tells crushing personal stories from his own journey -- the painful experience of learning his young teenage daughter was pregnant, the agony of watching his mother succumb to Alzheimer's, and the shock and helplessness he felt when his son had a heart attack.
Bishop Jakes wants to show you how God uses difficult, crushing experiences to prepare you for unexpected blessings. If you are faithful through suffering, you will be surprised by God's joy, comforted by His peace, and fulfilled with His purpose. Crushing will inspire you to have hope, even in your most difficult moments. If you trust in God and lean on Him during setbacks, He will lead you through.
In this insightful book, #1 New York Times bestselling author T.D. Jakes wrestles with age-old questions: Why do the righteous suffer? Where is God in all the injustice?
Bishop Jakes tells crushing personal stories from his own journey -- the painful experience of learning his young teenage daughter was pregnant, the agony of watching his mother succumb to Alzheimer's, and the shock and helplessness he felt when his son had a heart attack.
Bishop Jakes wants to show you how God uses difficult, crushing experiences to prepare you for unexpected blessings. If you are faithful through suffering, you will be surprised by God's joy, comforted by His peace, and fulfilled with His purpose. Crushing will inspire you to have hope, even in your most difficult moments. If you trust in God and lean on Him during setbacks, He will lead you through.
272 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2020
1062 people are currently reading
2260 people want to read
About the author
T.D. Jakes
454 books1,133 followersBishop T.D. Jakes is the author of the bestsellers God's Leading Lady; The Lady, Her Lover and Her Lord; Maximize the Moment; The Great Investment; His Lady; Woman, Thou art Loosed (the film of which won the Best Film Award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival) and He-Motions. His daily morning show The Potter's Touch and weekly broadcast The Potter's House air on Trinity Broadcasting Network and Black Entertainment Television, as well as in Europe and South America. Bishop Jakes is the founder and pastor of The Potter's House, one of the fastest-growing churches in the nation, where he leads an interracial congregation of more than 28,000 members. He lives in Dallas with his wife and five children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
July 15, 2020
Great book!!!
I like that this magnificent tome has a self-development prose as well, which is why I highly recommend this book. The pruning explanation that Jakes uses is spectacular and riveting. This is a book full of honesty, which helps the spiritual journey throughout the chapters to be inundated with fervor.
I like that this magnificent tome has a self-development prose as well, which is why I highly recommend this book. The pruning explanation that Jakes uses is spectacular and riveting. This is a book full of honesty, which helps the spiritual journey throughout the chapters to be inundated with fervor.
April 20, 2019
Amazing
I was in tears by the end of this book. Such a profound, biblical take on the harrowing crushing seasons we endure in this life. If you find yourself undergoing hardships that you don’t understand, and you want a godly perspective, this is the book for you.
I was in tears by the end of this book. Such a profound, biblical take on the harrowing crushing seasons we endure in this life. If you find yourself undergoing hardships that you don’t understand, and you want a godly perspective, this is the book for you.
February 3, 2020
I think this is the the best book I’ve read so far on the pain and struggle of life and growth in spiritual maturity. It really changed and uplifted my perspective to be able to recognize that God is at work in me all the time, and if I can trust Him through my circumstances, He can make me into something that not only He enjoys, but that the world can because it sees Him in me.
February 16, 2021
I read "Crushing" by T.D. Jakes while I was going through a stressful time in my life, so the words and message was very powerful to me. I appreciate Jakes talking about his own personal traumas, including the death of his mother, the pregnancy of his teenage daughter and the heart attack of his youngest son. It's comforting that even a pastor and great Man of God can go through the lowest of the low, survive and come back stronger. In this book, Jakes talks about the Promises of God's Word, Patience to endure, and that sometimes a loss can be defined as a gain. The book is wrapped around the idea of grapes being crushed into wine and how the crushing is part of the process for the best wine that God can use for his glory. He repeatedly calls God the "Vinedresser." Jakes talks about how Jesus Christ suffered and what we now enjoy because He went through the crushing. This book helped me to keep my eyes on the future and try not to let my present pain and discomfort stop me from continuing forward. It's good to know that God is with me and will use my pain for His glory. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, but especially those who need to hear a message of Hope and Renewal after a trial or a loss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
I could not put this book down! This is a book that spiritually feeds and lifts your spirit.
I finished reading this book in one day and a keeper to read over and over again!
I will explore other books by TD Jakes. I also watched the interview between Steven Furtick and TD Jakes about this book, and it was a powerful and packed video clip (viewed over 3.8 million times). Very few people can say words that pierce my heart and bring me to tears and to my knees. A must-read! The following scriptures surfaced to my heart and mind as I read this book.
"For many are called but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14
"Rise up, take courage and do it." Ezra 10:4
"God has not called you to fit in." 1 Peter 2:9
"In Him we move and have our being." Acts 17:28
"For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you." Exodus 34:10
I finished reading this book in one day and a keeper to read over and over again!
I will explore other books by TD Jakes. I also watched the interview between Steven Furtick and TD Jakes about this book, and it was a powerful and packed video clip (viewed over 3.8 million times). Very few people can say words that pierce my heart and bring me to tears and to my knees. A must-read! The following scriptures surfaced to my heart and mind as I read this book.
"For many are called but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14
"Rise up, take courage and do it." Ezra 10:4
"God has not called you to fit in." 1 Peter 2:9
"In Him we move and have our being." Acts 17:28
"For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you." Exodus 34:10
September 3, 2022
My perspective on struggles has changed after reading this book.
I can now see past my difficulties and recognize the beauty and purpose of the crushing while being receptive to what God is doing in my life.
I can now see past my difficulties and recognize the beauty and purpose of the crushing while being receptive to what God is doing in my life.
June 9, 2019
6/9/19
I decided to read this book a second time because I enjoy this author's books so much. What came to mind on the second read was how even someone as wise and understanding as this author is, he still succumbs to the pressure of the crushing. This is important for me because it gives me an awareness that it is normal to feel despair or anxiety during a crushing even though you have lots of experience and knowledge of the all the good that comes from a crushing.
That is why a continual understanding and study of the importance of a "crushing" is important because you will face "crushings" multiple times in your lifetime. Everyone goes through "crushings" and being conscious of the process of the "crushing" that you are in is getting to a higher plane in the human experience that helps you to get to what Maslow calls "self-actualization." We all have a desire to achieve our full potential and "crushings" are part of the journey to living in our full potential.
5/19/19
The message in this book is not a new message I have not come across before but it is an important message that must be relearned throughout the journey called "life." It is a message of "loving your process", "long-term thinking", "enjoying the journey", and many other ways this message has been taught. I love when a Christian uses a simple message from the Holy Bible and goes deep into that message, in this case, a whole book because the Holy Bible has that unique aspect to it. The metaphor of wine and the process we go through in life to become a better version of yourself is universal and extremely important.
David Goggins preaches it in a way of embracing suffering in an extreme way because suffering is unavoidable in life. So when suffering comes you are prepared already to handle it. Nassim Taleb has a similar theory with "Anit-Fragility" where you expose your self to hardships over and over till almost nothing can break you. This author puts in a way that is similar to the process grapes go through to become wine, which does not seem enjoyable or short. But when the end result of the wine is done right it brings pleasure to one consuming the wine and the one who did his part to make sure the wine brought pleasure to the consumer. So when you go through the process you will bring joy to those around you and the ones who took part or helped you during your process.
I decided to read this book a second time because I enjoy this author's books so much. What came to mind on the second read was how even someone as wise and understanding as this author is, he still succumbs to the pressure of the crushing. This is important for me because it gives me an awareness that it is normal to feel despair or anxiety during a crushing even though you have lots of experience and knowledge of the all the good that comes from a crushing.
That is why a continual understanding and study of the importance of a "crushing" is important because you will face "crushings" multiple times in your lifetime. Everyone goes through "crushings" and being conscious of the process of the "crushing" that you are in is getting to a higher plane in the human experience that helps you to get to what Maslow calls "self-actualization." We all have a desire to achieve our full potential and "crushings" are part of the journey to living in our full potential.
5/19/19
The message in this book is not a new message I have not come across before but it is an important message that must be relearned throughout the journey called "life." It is a message of "loving your process", "long-term thinking", "enjoying the journey", and many other ways this message has been taught. I love when a Christian uses a simple message from the Holy Bible and goes deep into that message, in this case, a whole book because the Holy Bible has that unique aspect to it. The metaphor of wine and the process we go through in life to become a better version of yourself is universal and extremely important.
David Goggins preaches it in a way of embracing suffering in an extreme way because suffering is unavoidable in life. So when suffering comes you are prepared already to handle it. Nassim Taleb has a similar theory with "Anit-Fragility" where you expose your self to hardships over and over till almost nothing can break you. This author puts in a way that is similar to the process grapes go through to become wine, which does not seem enjoyable or short. But when the end result of the wine is done right it brings pleasure to one consuming the wine and the one who did his part to make sure the wine brought pleasure to the consumer. So when you go through the process you will bring joy to those around you and the ones who took part or helped you during your process.
October 24, 2019
This was such a great and timely read. No matter which season you find yourself in, the wisdom of this book will either prepare your for the crushing, or encourage you through it.
Read
August 31, 2021There were several chapters in this book that left me pouring my soul out in tears and reflections. I could feel the very words on the pages. I will definitely read again!
April 14, 2020
An Interesting read gave insight into the process of crushing of grapes in contrast to crushing incidents of life
May 4, 2019
Thought the core concept of the book was very solid. However, it seemed like there was a lot of fluff added into the book. The 8 hour audible read could have been condensed down to 2 or 3 hours of content. I also didn't like that he repeats his sentences 5 or so times throughout a chapter. I thought my audible app was broken at first. Besides those sticking points I would highly recommend this book for anyone going through trials or tribulations in life. A brilliant perspective to keep in mind as we go through tough periods.
A few takeaways for me:
- God uses the crushing moments in our life to ferment us into His choice vintage.
- Every difficult moment can and should be used to teach us, humble us to Him, and used to grow us into who God calls us to be.
- God's timing and plan is perfect in our life. He does not rush the fermentation process that will produce excellence in our life. Trust that His timing is perfect.
A few takeaways for me:
- God uses the crushing moments in our life to ferment us into His choice vintage.
- Every difficult moment can and should be used to teach us, humble us to Him, and used to grow us into who God calls us to be.
- God's timing and plan is perfect in our life. He does not rush the fermentation process that will produce excellence in our life. Trust that His timing is perfect.
April 11, 2019
Full Blog Review in Progress:
I am a massive fan of TD Jakes. He is my number one religious writer I read, so I was extremely excited to see this for review on Netgalley.
While this book is not my favorite of this author's (that award goes to Instinct), this is an excellent book. Be prepared for a more religious book than what I have seen from him before with it being much heavier on biblical reference.
I have to say as one going through a really difficult time and found this book pretty timely for my current life, I found having to focus on those references pretty comforting and that the message sunk in deeper than if this was a book that I was speed reading to review. Having to focus deeper to decipher, I was forced to ingest the words.
I have to say that I loved the analogy of wine making to working through life's struggles vs. focusing that bad things happen.
I am a massive fan of TD Jakes. He is my number one religious writer I read, so I was extremely excited to see this for review on Netgalley.
While this book is not my favorite of this author's (that award goes to Instinct), this is an excellent book. Be prepared for a more religious book than what I have seen from him before with it being much heavier on biblical reference.
I have to say as one going through a really difficult time and found this book pretty timely for my current life, I found having to focus on those references pretty comforting and that the message sunk in deeper than if this was a book that I was speed reading to review. Having to focus deeper to decipher, I was forced to ingest the words.
I have to say that I loved the analogy of wine making to working through life's struggles vs. focusing that bad things happen.
April 24, 2019
Pretty much the same old, same old. It appears to me that once you have read one of his books you have for the most part read all of them.
June 7, 2023
Really great book, deep and theologically accurate and well researched, even as Jakes comes at us with his typical depth of empathy and compassion, understanding and love. I liked the inclusion of certain facts that related back into the message, particularly about the pearl only coming about through trial (you'll have to read it!). Also really admired how open Jakes was about his family life and personal experience of suffering, lest you could mistake anything he says here for triteness.
The analogy of grapes and wine, the whole backbone of this book is enlightening and helps you understand the Father's heart more in suffering - that where there is suffering there is also victory for the believer. That there is an eventual end to suffering and it's a good one. Hallelujah!
The only comment I would make that you could take either way, positive or negative, is that, due to this book being quite theological (especially when it gets into the stuff about tabernacles etc) I wouldn't recommend this book if you're a new Christian (just because it can be a bit deep and not easy to comprehend if you haven't encountered this sort of teaching before). I think it's a better read if you've been walking with God for a while and have at least a basic knowledge of old testament history (although granted this is just my personal opinion, having not been able to get much out of Jakes' messages until many years down the line into being born again).
In any case, I definitely would recommend! We all go through every one of the stages of wine production so to speak in our lives, so there's no one that would not benefit from understanding the principles in this book.
Kudos to you Jakes and thankyou for writing this book. It's a masterpiece.
The analogy of grapes and wine, the whole backbone of this book is enlightening and helps you understand the Father's heart more in suffering - that where there is suffering there is also victory for the believer. That there is an eventual end to suffering and it's a good one. Hallelujah!
The only comment I would make that you could take either way, positive or negative, is that, due to this book being quite theological (especially when it gets into the stuff about tabernacles etc) I wouldn't recommend this book if you're a new Christian (just because it can be a bit deep and not easy to comprehend if you haven't encountered this sort of teaching before). I think it's a better read if you've been walking with God for a while and have at least a basic knowledge of old testament history (although granted this is just my personal opinion, having not been able to get much out of Jakes' messages until many years down the line into being born again).
In any case, I definitely would recommend! We all go through every one of the stages of wine production so to speak in our lives, so there's no one that would not benefit from understanding the principles in this book.
Kudos to you Jakes and thankyou for writing this book. It's a masterpiece.
July 30, 2022
Very encouraging read for those who are going through difficult times in their lives. The crushing teaches you to have hope in the darkest times of your life. It teaches you not to give up and to trust God to get you through it. God has a blessing for you in the end. I enjoyed the read because it lets you know no matter how bad your situation is; it's not the end. God has a bigger and better plan for you.
August 30, 2020
God’s plan, His way, and His transformation in our lives is compared to a vintner pruning his vines, crushing his grapes to have the very best finished product. It can be a painful process, a process that requires much patience, but it’s the best process. It has a distinct purpose, so does everything God does in our lives. The Master Vintner is a part of the vineyard. I enjoyed this book!
November 6, 2024
“You’re a sign that points others to the God who transformed you.”
January 13, 2021
This book is perfect for those that feel your trials and struggles are without purpose or reason. Crushing helps you see how God uses these obstacles to grow us and build our faith.
June 25, 2021
In his book 'Crushing' T.D. Jakes uses the process of winemaking as a metaphor to explain why hard times in our lives are not the end, they are the beginning of something new... maybe even an excellent wine :) He has some very good points to ponder. I thought the book could have been shorter, because he delivers his message quite well in the first half.
March 23, 2020
This book offers some incredible perspective and insight into how God works through the crushing we experience in life to transform us into who He knows we can become. T.D. shares many of his own crushing stories in an open and honest way that helped me feel like he could actually relate to some of the difficulties in life that I have experienced. If you are ready for a fresh perspective on the hard times in your own life, I would highly recommend this book!
Favorite Quote: "Have you ever desired something for so long that you resolved in yourself that it was never going to happen? Have you ever had to declare that your dreams were dead so that you would finally have a moment's peace? It's the delay in the fulfillment of the promises of God that causes us so much pain. When the Master gives us the vision of what He's going to do in our lives, He shows us the mountain peaks while He hides the valley. If you saw the climb you would have to endure to get to the mountaintop, you would abandon the entire trip. It's the passion we have for the fulfillment of God's promise that drives us, but it's the play between the pain and passion that He uses to refine us."
Favorite Quote: "Have you ever desired something for so long that you resolved in yourself that it was never going to happen? Have you ever had to declare that your dreams were dead so that you would finally have a moment's peace? It's the delay in the fulfillment of the promises of God that causes us so much pain. When the Master gives us the vision of what He's going to do in our lives, He shows us the mountain peaks while He hides the valley. If you saw the climb you would have to endure to get to the mountaintop, you would abandon the entire trip. It's the passion we have for the fulfillment of God's promise that drives us, but it's the play between the pain and passion that He uses to refine us."
May 20, 2019
Thank you for this amazing book! I love how he explains the scriptures. That's where he's best at to me because obeying the scriptures is how we live life in abundance. There's no way around it. It's fascinating. God watches how we handle problems that He creates for us. This book has motivated me to be what God created me to be by being obedient. It's deep and it should be required reading for all Christians. There will be problems and pain in life but God has promised to deliver.
March 19, 2020
Awesome book! Love how he talks about how God turns pressure into power. Often times we feel vulnerable when things in our lives falls apart. But that's when God becomes the beacon we can use to help build us back up and take the pressure and use it for your advantage.
May 26, 2020
Inspirational ! A beautiful metaphor. We have all been crushed by experiences in our lives. T.D. Jakes offers insight into the meaning of our daily lives.
January 15, 2020
CRUSHING:
GOD TURNS PRESSURE INTO POWER
BY: T.D. JAKES
‘The crushing is not the ending…it’s the beginning…’
5*****
Revelations 12:11 says, ‘We are OverComers by the Blood of the LAMB and the Word of our Testimony.’ The Crushing is one of the most uniquely prolific, spiritually lifting and empowering jewels penned in this generation. Bishop T.D. Jakes takes the reader on one of the most memorable and visualistic journeys to date as he exposes life altering hurts that he’s endured on his renowned journey. When life is celebrated and many are spectators to the revelry that shines brightly, yet no one can discern the astronomical cost paid for numerous triumphs, accolades, and national successes. Bishop Jakes depicts the devastation of life experiences as he’s transparent with the despair he felt with the loss of his mother and the pregnancy of his youngest daughter. His transparency is certifiable evidence that you can not judge a book by the cover until you open it up to see what’s inside. Weekly he shares his anointing with the world via the world wide web, and so many lives are changed with the authenticity of his gift as he delivers the Word of GOD on a monumental platform. The depth of teaching he pours into this masterwork is spellbinding. The astute manner that he paints the most vivid picture of life and its devastation, GOD’s purpose and the processing of grapes to wine is unparalleled.
Crushing: GOD Turns Pressure Into Power is one of the most excellent reads that I’ve ever encountered. When I initially started the book, I was a bit agitated with the usage of uncommon words, laymen terms, you have to get a dictionary to get a complete understanding. Then I noticed that there was quite a bit of repetition, and that perturbed me as well. Mind you the flow was smooth, even as there were some moments that would grapple some of the forgotten moments in your life as it evoked painful memories. Bishop Jakes pulls and tugs on your spiritual memories, and you find yourself peering into a mirrored image…I found a depth of understanding that only a professional connoisseur could develop. Impatience dissolves as you get to the grand finale and he blows your wig back with the unveiling of this journey called life. The Process…the Purpose…and the ELOHIM Principle. Upon completion, it all had purpose, every emotion, every thought, every description, every tear, (in Tommie Smith’s words, every tear meant something)…Process…Purpose…ELOHIM Principle!! Bishop T.D. Jakes, May the Spirit of the Living & True GOD Continue to Wash You Anew With Fresh Anointing As You Continue to Bless HIS People!!! In JESUS’ Mighty Name!
#ThatzTazzyezTake
GOD TURNS PRESSURE INTO POWER
BY: T.D. JAKES
‘The crushing is not the ending…it’s the beginning…’
5*****
Revelations 12:11 says, ‘We are OverComers by the Blood of the LAMB and the Word of our Testimony.’ The Crushing is one of the most uniquely prolific, spiritually lifting and empowering jewels penned in this generation. Bishop T.D. Jakes takes the reader on one of the most memorable and visualistic journeys to date as he exposes life altering hurts that he’s endured on his renowned journey. When life is celebrated and many are spectators to the revelry that shines brightly, yet no one can discern the astronomical cost paid for numerous triumphs, accolades, and national successes. Bishop Jakes depicts the devastation of life experiences as he’s transparent with the despair he felt with the loss of his mother and the pregnancy of his youngest daughter. His transparency is certifiable evidence that you can not judge a book by the cover until you open it up to see what’s inside. Weekly he shares his anointing with the world via the world wide web, and so many lives are changed with the authenticity of his gift as he delivers the Word of GOD on a monumental platform. The depth of teaching he pours into this masterwork is spellbinding. The astute manner that he paints the most vivid picture of life and its devastation, GOD’s purpose and the processing of grapes to wine is unparalleled.
Crushing: GOD Turns Pressure Into Power is one of the most excellent reads that I’ve ever encountered. When I initially started the book, I was a bit agitated with the usage of uncommon words, laymen terms, you have to get a dictionary to get a complete understanding. Then I noticed that there was quite a bit of repetition, and that perturbed me as well. Mind you the flow was smooth, even as there were some moments that would grapple some of the forgotten moments in your life as it evoked painful memories. Bishop Jakes pulls and tugs on your spiritual memories, and you find yourself peering into a mirrored image…I found a depth of understanding that only a professional connoisseur could develop. Impatience dissolves as you get to the grand finale and he blows your wig back with the unveiling of this journey called life. The Process…the Purpose…and the ELOHIM Principle. Upon completion, it all had purpose, every emotion, every thought, every description, every tear, (in Tommie Smith’s words, every tear meant something)…Process…Purpose…ELOHIM Principle!! Bishop T.D. Jakes, May the Spirit of the Living & True GOD Continue to Wash You Anew With Fresh Anointing As You Continue to Bless HIS People!!! In JESUS’ Mighty Name!
#ThatzTazzyezTake
June 28, 2019
Did he just pack his sermon notes and ship them to the editor?
To be sure, the main argument of the book - that suffering and loss is often the way to spiritual growth - is undeniable biblical truth, and much needed to be heard in today's American Christianity. The bishop takes it and turns it on all sides like the skilled preacher and motivational speaker he is, with personal life stories, biblical imagery and cultural/historical illustrations. I'm sure it will help many people.
However writing a book requires a bit more work and accuracy than preparing a motivational sermon. The book is plagued by extensive speculation and factual errors, plus some pretty sketchy interpretation of the biblical text. (For example, the myth that being filled with a spirit is an expression used exclusively in the New Testament. Or the assertion that the traditional reason Ortodox Jews sway when they read the Torah is because God moved with Israel in the wilderness - taken as fact by the author from a Holy Land tour guide without further research for confirmation). Why this is important and it's not just nitpicking is because the author builds important ideas and even whole chapters on those misinterpretations.
And to top it all off, using the image of crushing grapes to obtain wine as the main story of the book is misguided too: First, it's not a very good metaphor for the work God does in us: grapes loose their individuality in wine; the main process is one of extraction, not of transformation, as large parts of the grape are being discarded; wine is not necessarily better than fresh grapes according to some people; etc. Second, the author claims it's a biblical metaphor, when in reality the Bible only uses it in a negative sense (to illustrate the crushing anger and justice of God), never in the sense used by the author. I would be careful with that.
Again, a great sermon series for a megachurch, but a pretty lazy book.
To be sure, the main argument of the book - that suffering and loss is often the way to spiritual growth - is undeniable biblical truth, and much needed to be heard in today's American Christianity. The bishop takes it and turns it on all sides like the skilled preacher and motivational speaker he is, with personal life stories, biblical imagery and cultural/historical illustrations. I'm sure it will help many people.
However writing a book requires a bit more work and accuracy than preparing a motivational sermon. The book is plagued by extensive speculation and factual errors, plus some pretty sketchy interpretation of the biblical text. (For example, the myth that being filled with a spirit is an expression used exclusively in the New Testament. Or the assertion that the traditional reason Ortodox Jews sway when they read the Torah is because God moved with Israel in the wilderness - taken as fact by the author from a Holy Land tour guide without further research for confirmation). Why this is important and it's not just nitpicking is because the author builds important ideas and even whole chapters on those misinterpretations.
And to top it all off, using the image of crushing grapes to obtain wine as the main story of the book is misguided too: First, it's not a very good metaphor for the work God does in us: grapes loose their individuality in wine; the main process is one of extraction, not of transformation, as large parts of the grape are being discarded; wine is not necessarily better than fresh grapes according to some people; etc. Second, the author claims it's a biblical metaphor, when in reality the Bible only uses it in a negative sense (to illustrate the crushing anger and justice of God), never in the sense used by the author. I would be careful with that.
Again, a great sermon series for a megachurch, but a pretty lazy book.
April 24, 2019
In the past, I’ve given Christian author T. D. Jakes a pass because he’s so darn likable and, while an evangelical, has a theology that is somewhat palpable. (After all, it is said that his views on the gay community are “evolving,” and that can only be a good thing.) He recently published a book called SOAR!, which was about how to be an entrepreneur and be Christian about it. It was a charismatic book, probably due to the fact that in talking about how to be a good businessman, the Christian themes were dialed down just a little bit. Well, Jakes is back with a new book, Crushing, and his beliefs are flying at full flag in this one. And that, unfortunately, makes the book a little less compelling.
The book is meant for anyone who is going through a rough patch. Jakes’ theology — which includes, alas, atonement theology — makes for a read that is meant to be encouraging, but it’s problematic. You see, Jakes believes that if you’re going through a rough patch, God is crushing you like what a vintner does to a grape to turn you into a new and better person. Personally, I prefer the theology that says that God is suffering with you on your own personal cross during the tough times — but I can see where the evangelical crowd might have a tough time with that, feeling as though they can tap into the supernatural power of the Almighty One. (And wouldn’t an evangelical God be a God that acts?)
Read the rest here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...
The book is meant for anyone who is going through a rough patch. Jakes’ theology — which includes, alas, atonement theology — makes for a read that is meant to be encouraging, but it’s problematic. You see, Jakes believes that if you’re going through a rough patch, God is crushing you like what a vintner does to a grape to turn you into a new and better person. Personally, I prefer the theology that says that God is suffering with you on your own personal cross during the tough times — but I can see where the evangelical crowd might have a tough time with that, feeling as though they can tap into the supernatural power of the Almighty One. (And wouldn’t an evangelical God be a God that acts?)
Read the rest here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...
July 4, 2019
I have read only a few of Bishop Jakes books and this one was far different than any of the others. Perhaps it is because I am in the middle of a Crushing season and this book is speaking to the places I am perplexed by and wavering in. Bishop speaks of crushing as it relates to the makings of wine. I have always loved his word choices and the thoughtful way in which he pieced a phrase or sermon together and with this book he did not disappoint.
I will not spoil it for those that have not read it. I will say I stopped many times during my reading to journal and pray, cry and repent. I have also shared pointed phrases on my social media because I know that I am not the only one being crushed right now.
I never thought of being crushed as a process of making me into a delight for the Master's use until I read this book. I thought like Bishop said that the crushing I am enduring would be my eternity. That I would not come out of the pains that my yesterday.
Bishop Jakes reminded me that, "But a hidden God does not equal an absent God." That point is so powerful to me because I have considered He removed Himself from the parts of my life that is brusied and battered due to sin and disappointment. I often resolve myself to thinking that the more I disappoint the further I push myself from the promised place that Jesus called me to.
I am grateful for Bishop Jakes writing this book as now I see me differently and I see God clearly.
If you are in a season of being crushed consider this book as your GPS to the best you!
I will not spoil it for those that have not read it. I will say I stopped many times during my reading to journal and pray, cry and repent. I have also shared pointed phrases on my social media because I know that I am not the only one being crushed right now.
I never thought of being crushed as a process of making me into a delight for the Master's use until I read this book. I thought like Bishop said that the crushing I am enduring would be my eternity. That I would not come out of the pains that my yesterday.
Bishop Jakes reminded me that, "But a hidden God does not equal an absent God." That point is so powerful to me because I have considered He removed Himself from the parts of my life that is brusied and battered due to sin and disappointment. I often resolve myself to thinking that the more I disappoint the further I push myself from the promised place that Jesus called me to.
I am grateful for Bishop Jakes writing this book as now I see me differently and I see God clearly.
If you are in a season of being crushed consider this book as your GPS to the best you!
July 27, 2024
This book really reveals where God is in the injustice. TD Jakes explains what is meant by crushing.
I love the illustration he uses when talking about an olive. you crush an olive to get the oil out of it. You must be crushed in order for God to be able sometimes to reach us (which is in our inadequate place. You will realize God works when we feel we are alone and we have encountered the most injustice situation. God can use us best as TD Jakes explains when we are in a place back against the wall and can do nothing but feel the pressure. The pressure allows for us to lean in harder and trust
God, at your very lowest point God is building you to become stronger, and he is releasing that power to you to overcome and be a warrior on the battlefield, pressure is made for us to really see who
God really is and it is also a test for God to really see if he can trust us, or we really ready to be moved to where God wants to place us. You will realize how at the end of this read the various ways
God uses situations to turn the pressure we are under from our trials into the power we need to persevere with a victorious testimony.
I love the illustration he uses when talking about an olive. you crush an olive to get the oil out of it. You must be crushed in order for God to be able sometimes to reach us (which is in our inadequate place. You will realize God works when we feel we are alone and we have encountered the most injustice situation. God can use us best as TD Jakes explains when we are in a place back against the wall and can do nothing but feel the pressure. The pressure allows for us to lean in harder and trust
God, at your very lowest point God is building you to become stronger, and he is releasing that power to you to overcome and be a warrior on the battlefield, pressure is made for us to really see who
God really is and it is also a test for God to really see if he can trust us, or we really ready to be moved to where God wants to place us. You will realize how at the end of this read the various ways
God uses situations to turn the pressure we are under from our trials into the power we need to persevere with a victorious testimony.
May 20, 2019
The book is meant for anyone who is going through a rough patch. Bishop's theology - which includes, alas atonement theology - makes for a read that is meant to be encouraging. Bishop goes on to descibe his belief that if you're going through a rough patch, God is crushing you like a vintner does to a grape to turn you into a new and better person. The author has never met a wine metaphor or allegory that he didn't like, and this book is full of them - comparing the season of crushing, fermentation, and transformation one might go through to the process of how a grape becomes a fine wine to be shared.
Although this book made for a great read, as the reader, I found that Bishop kept dragging on and on with all the wine talk. Basically, this book feels as though 30 of Bishop's sermons on a single theme were jam-packed into a single volume. I loved the theme of the book and his metaphorical allegory BUT I feel he could have made it more succinct.
Although this book made for a great read, as the reader, I found that Bishop kept dragging on and on with all the wine talk. Basically, this book feels as though 30 of Bishop's sermons on a single theme were jam-packed into a single volume. I loved the theme of the book and his metaphorical allegory BUT I feel he could have made it more succinct.
January 17, 2020
This is my first TD Jakes read. Not bad! I grabbed this book after watching his Q&A with Steven Furtick last year. I found myself in a transitional period that I couldn't fully put into words, but Jakes' words during that interview spoke to me.
Crushing examines the pruning we experience and how God uses those seasons to perfect and mature us. Jakes shares personal anecdotes, historical and scripture reference as he dissects crushing. Rooting everything back to the relationship between grapes and a vintner, Jakes doubles down on helping us understand that it's in the crushing that we become wine. And over and over we process to become new wine. Jakes is a little long winded, so there are a few lulls. Yet, Crushing was worth the read for me. I recommend for anyone experiencing a transition that seems permanent rather than temporary. It's a nice supplemental read to help support you in transforming your mind.
Crushing examines the pruning we experience and how God uses those seasons to perfect and mature us. Jakes shares personal anecdotes, historical and scripture reference as he dissects crushing. Rooting everything back to the relationship between grapes and a vintner, Jakes doubles down on helping us understand that it's in the crushing that we become wine. And over and over we process to become new wine. Jakes is a little long winded, so there are a few lulls. Yet, Crushing was worth the read for me. I recommend for anyone experiencing a transition that seems permanent rather than temporary. It's a nice supplemental read to help support you in transforming your mind.
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