"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." — John 12:24 (ESV)
Devotional
It is a cool, breezy afternoon, and the sun peeks through the clouds. Everywhere you look, God's glory is revealed throughout the earth. Spring has arrived. Flowers begin to bloom, and leaves return to the trees. The cycle of life starts anew.
Every process begins with a seed.
When a seed is buried in the ground, the earth becomes its womb, providing the nutrients necessary for growth. It is in the dark places that transformation takes place unseen to the naked eye. Although nothing appears to be happening on the surface, an incredible process is occurring beneath the ground.
As the seed receives water and sunlight, growth is stimulated. The earth opens itself to provide nutrients from the soil and decomposed matter surrounding it. In much the same way, God uses the difficult seasons of our lives for our good. Every mistake, disappointment, and mishap can become a teachable moment in His hands.
There will be days when the sun does not shine and rain begins to fall. When the water reaches the ground, it either runs off or is absorbed into the soil, providing nourishment to the hidden seed. Once the seed has been fed and watered, it begins to take root.
As it stretches beneath the earth, pressing its way toward the resources it needs to survive, it develops stability. Before anything can grow upward, it must first grow downward. The root system is established long before the plant becomes visible.
Many of us desire the title, the position, and the recognition, yet we often overlook the process required to sustain them. We may want visible results without developing the hidden foundation necessary to withstand life's storms.
I remember hearing a sermon by T.D. Jakes many years ago. He explained that the taller a skyscraper is designed to be, the deeper its foundation must extend into the ground. The greater the height, the greater the depth required to support it.
The same principle applies to our spiritual lives.
Now the seed has been fed and watered, and it begins to break forth. It opens itself to receive everything necessary for survival and growth. Yet from the surface, it still appears as though nothing is happening.
Behind the scenes, however, growth is taking place.
Likewise, in our lives, it is often during the shameful, disappointing, and painful seasons that God is developing us for our Kingdom assignment. It is during those nights when you cried yourself to sleep, felt like throwing in the towel, or questioned whether you could continue that God was working behind the scenes.
Those hidden moments are not wasted.
They are the moments when God's hand is shaping your character, strengthening your faith, and preparing you for what lies ahead.
Struggles and trials are tests that everyone must face. They reveal what we are truly made of. As James 1:2–4 reminds us:
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work, so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (MSG)
The seed planted in the ground is literally under pressure. It carries the weight of the soil, water, surrounding matter, and environmental conditions. Yet it is that very pressure that produces growth.
The harvest does not come immediately. It arrives at the appointed time.
However, there is an important truth we must remember: a seed cannot flourish if it is planted in poor soil.
Jesus illustrates this principle in Matthew 13:4–8. Some seeds fell by the wayside and were devoured by birds. Some fell on rocky ground where they lacked depth. Others fell among thorns and were choked out. Yet some fell on good ground and produced a harvest—thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and even a hundredfold.
The condition of the soil determines the outcome of the seed.
Likewise, we must be mindful of where we plant ourselves, where we invest our time, and what environments we allow to influence our growth. The wrong environment can stunt development, while the right environment can help us flourish and reach our God-given potential.
A plant may grow without the protection of the earth surrounding it, but its lifespan and strength will often be limited. Hidden beneath the soil, the seed is protected from predators. It receives nutrients from the earth and just the right amount of warmth necessary for healthy growth.
The hidden season serves a purpose.
When the seed finally breaks through the surface of the ground, the reaper can see the evidence of growth. What once appeared to be nothing more than dirt now reveals life.
What looked like pressure was actually preparation.
What appeared to be delayed was actually development.
And what seemed hidden was simply God working beneath the surface.
Many times, we become frustrated because we do not see results quickly enough. Yet just because something is unseen does not mean growth is not taking place.
God often works in the hidden areas of our lives before His work becomes visible to others. Just because you cannot see immediate results does not mean life is not forming beneath the surface.
You must continue doing your part.
Just as you would not stop watering a plant or deprive it of sunlight, you cannot neglect your spiritual growth. Continue reading the Word of God. Meditate on His promises. Spend time in prayer. Allow Him to lead and guide you each day.
Growth is a process.
A plant does not grow overnight, and neither do we.
Every day is another step toward maturity. Every challenge is another opportunity for growth. Every season is preparing you for what God has ordained for your life.
So be patient.
Trust the process.
Remain faithful in the hidden places.
For in due season, you shall reap if you do not faint. (Galatians 6:9)
Reflection
What "hidden season" are you walking through right now? How might God be using this pressure to develop something eternal in you?
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the hidden work You are doing in my life. Even when I cannot see the growth, I trust that You are cultivating purpose in me. Help me not to despise the process or grow impatient with the pressure.
Root me deep in Your Word. Ground me in Your love. And when it is time, bring forth the fruit that will bring You glory.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Affirmation
I am being developed, not forgotten. God is doing a deep work in me, and in His time I will bear much fruit.