In God’s design, a requirement for growth and fruitfulness is the process of germination. The process of germination, in essence, is the breaking and dying of the old so that the new can come. In fact, Jesus teaches us the following principle:
Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:24
The process of germination is not glamorous or extravagant, in fact, germination happens underground in the soil. As the seeds lay in the environment in which it is meant to live (soil), it begins to break out of its dormancy and roots and shoots begin to come out to build a foundation for whatever fruit it is meant to be. None of it is visible to the world, as all the work is being done in hiding. Upon germination, eventually the seed breaks through the soil, becomes a plant, and produces fruit. Fruitfulness is always visible, but there is so much that takes place in hiding before the world can see it.
Just like our journey of fruitfulness with the Lord, we too need to germinate. God is working within each of us, often in secret. This process is not extravagant and it even feels like we are “dying”. We are breaking out of our old selves, and a new creation is being formed. God refines us so that we may die to old habits, old thinking, and old ways so that God’s ways can form. It is only when our old ways die, that God’s ways can grow.
Dying does not seem like growth, but it is part of God’s plan for fruitfulness. The quicker we die to ourselves, the quicker the fruit of the Spirit will appear.
I thank the Lord for the many spiritual moms and dads in the LifeSpring family. In my younger days I thought I knew everything. I am now 40 years old and realize I know nothing. My parents continue to teach me about love and generosity, Pastor Alvin & Aunty Pat show me how to think bigger than the church, Pastor Perry & Aunty Catherine inspire and teach me about business, and Jerry & Dorothy continue to help me grow in being a husband and a father. There is so much more to die to (germinate), so that God’s fruit, the fruit that will last, can be displayed.
Wherever you are in your journey with the Lord, even if it feels like ‘dying’ – trust in the Lord. He is not working against you, He is working on you.