Dill, a small seed, is not threshed with a threshing sledge, nor is a wagon wheel rolled over cumin. Dill is beaten with a rod and cumin with a stick. 28 Grain is crushed and milled for bread, but it is not threshed endlessly. One drives the wagon’s wheels over it, but his horses’ hooves do not pulverize it.

29 This counsel also comes from Lord Yahweh, Commander of Angel Armies. For his guidance is unfathomable, and the heavenly wisdom he imparts is magnificent. Isaiah 28:27-29

Isaiah continues his farming metaphor with a picture to help us understand God’s discipline. He shows how each type of grain is harvested and separated from its shell. There is a perfect tool for each seed to be released. Larger, tougher grain requires stronger force and bigger tools. Smaller grains and spices take a more delicate touch.

Sometimes, God requires a strong shaking in our lives to get our attention to turn us away from sin that has hardened our hearts. His goal is not to crush us and destroy us. He uses the perfect amount of force to open us up. The seed inside of us is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), waiting to be ripened.

There are also smaller issues. Adjustments God wants to make to smooth rough edges like our speech and having integrity in little things.

I believe if we humble ourselves, God will guide us and show us what He is doing in us. He will provide wisdom to understand and cooperate, knowing His desire is love and growing us to a place of fulfillment and fruitfulness.