John 12:23-25 Sling Shot

Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 

Observation

Jesus had to die, crucified, take our sin and shame on the cross, before he could truly glorify the Father. He gives the example of a kernel of wheat having to die before new life can come. The new wheat that comes from the kernel is substantially bigger and more effective then the kernel could ever be on its own.  So it is with us. We have to die, our old self image, our idols, our expectations, our old way of living before new life can come. And we can trust that the new life that comes will be substantially greater than anything we could hope for or imagine.

Application

There is always a next step, but many times the next step is a pull back. God takes us through times where our lives feel like a sling shot....He is pulling us back so that He can shoot us forward. I'm seeing that in one area of my life,and I've seen it for sometime. I have been trying to progress in an area for several years. I have begged God, worked up all the discipline I could muster, tried to change my heart and mind, but not only have I not progressed, it seems like I'm going backwards. My mind tells me that if I tried hard enough I could fix it, if I had a greater understanding of the Holy Spirit's power in me then it would be done, but that line of thinking leads me to discouragement and depression. I can even say "die flesh" and ask God to kill that flesh, but I don't see the change needed. I believe I know why, it is because my heart motive is wrong. I've asked God to change my heart and I believe He is answering me by pulling me back like a sling shot, the farther I'm pulled back the greater I will shoot forward.

Prayer

Father, I praise You because even though it looks like my prayers are changing nothing, and I'm digressing instead of progressing, I don't walk by how things look, I walk by faith and Lord I trust You.  Please continue to have Your way in all areas of my life, I love You.