Q & A to Shaken, But Not Stirred

The question has been asked : What does it mean, spiritually, to be poured from vessel to vessel?
In the last article, Shaken, But Not Stirred, Jeremiah 48.11 was referenced and it mentions being poured, as wine, from vessel to vessel. The wine sits in one vessel for a time in which impurities (dregs) settle to the bottom. Then it is poured into another vessel wherein the dregs settle again. Each time in this process, the wine clarifies and purifies and becomes less bitter, and better to the taste.
I believe the question actually centers on the phrase 'vessel to vessel'. The Bible, and our experience, teach us that, in the Christian walk of experience, we are said to go from faith to faith or step by step, and even from glory to glory. Peter wrote of adding one characteristic to another (II Peter 1.4-8). Paul wrote of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22-24). Godly character and fruit are a result of refinement and development. They don't happen overnight.
Also stated in the article was an important point. God never changes---but He does deal with us as individuals and according to the light that we have and the integrity with which we respond to Him. Hence, His dealings with each of us can change from person to person according to our understanding (revelation). He teaches, guides, chastens and molds each person individually by the Holy Spirit. That is why the baptism in the Holy Spirit is so important. So, inasmuch as we are all different, we are all led indivudually (although there are many similarities) as we are faithful to have a personal relationship with Him. Only the Holy Spirit can do this.
Let's face it. For many people the school of hard knocks get the job done. None of us can deny the fact that trials and tests of hardship streamline our spiritual focus to where He has our full attention. Remember, however, He will not allow us to be tempted or tried beyond that which we are able. Most of our times of distress, discontentment, lack, and 'rough waters' are designed as 'attention-getters' so that He can work better with(in) us--it seems that these are the times when most people are most repentant, pliable and receptive.
However, 'vessel to vessel' doesn't necessarily have to mean 'hardship to hardship'. Although, we know that it is by many trials and tribulations that we enter the kingdom of God, these times of hardship are not the only means of spiritual development. I, personally, do not believe that they are God's first choice of means.
Let's remember that God wants to be a personal God. It is He that created us to begin with. And although perfect fellowship, as originally experienced by Adam and Eve, was broken, it is His desire to fully restore that fellowship. The study or eating of God's word is more than a spiritual dietary supplement. David said, "Your word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against you." One of the best means of growth is to have a good diet and the word of God should be the main course. David also said "his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." The other side of the coin to the word of God is obedience. In James, we are told to be doers of the word, and not hearers only and that "he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the word, this one will be blessed in what he does.
This is growth.
Lastly, the most powerful means of change, that is, going from step to step, faith to faith and vessel to vessel, is the presence of God. There is no substitute for seeking and finding Him; for spending time with and in His presence, to learn and listen to His voice. For me, nothing dispels insecurities, fears, the weakness of my own humanity and the old nature better than the quiet fire of His presence. The end result is spiritual sanctification and purification--to overcome all obstacles by means of the Holy Spirit within. He's there, but we have to let Him breathe and as everyone knows, good wine has to breathe.