When You Feel Buried: How God Brings New Life from Loss - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - October 28

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“Very truly I tell you, 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, NIV).

As I walked through the cornfield maze, surrounded by stalks taller than my 6-foot-2 husband, many parables filled my mind: the wheat and the weeds, a grain of mustard seed, the Prodigal Son, and the Good Samaritan. But I couldn’t move on from Jesus’ words in John 12:24:

“Very truly I tell you, 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” (NIV).

Something about that verse replayed over and over again in my mind. As I reached out to touch a stalk, pieces of grain crumbled from my fingertips onto the ground. I looked at the fallen wheat and cornstalks. I heard the noise of tractors across the field plowing the harvest. And I wondered: Is this what it’s like when death brings life?

It sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it? That something beautiful could come forth by death? But Jesus Christ gave us the ultimate example. Without His death and resurrection, none of us could live. Yes, we could technically live this human life, but eternity would be far from our grasp—not only far, but impossible to achieve on our own. This is why I believe Jesus uses nature and farming to illustrate this lesson.

Just as a grain of wheat that dies bears much fruit, Jesus’ death gave us life. Why? Because we were sinners, dead to sin. Without His death, His penalty for our sins, we would still be guilty. Not only that, but we wouldn’t have good news to share.

Enter News summarizes the passage: “On one level, this saying describes Jesus’ ministry. Jesus performs many miracles for people, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and raising the dead. Often, however, people misunderstand or are offended by these miracles. Jesus is like the grain of wheat at the end of his ministry: he is very much alone and misunderstood, even though people surround him physically. His ministry will bear fruit through his death, resurrection, and ascension, making it possible for God’s love to extend to the world.”

Friends, we as Jesus’ Disciples are called to share this Good News, this Gospel message, with the world. Most days, we must die to ourselves and our dreams and plans, exchanging them for His. But as long as we remain connected to the vine (John 15:5), we will continue to bear and produce much fruit. Our death to our sinful selves, fleshy desires, or worldly affairs brings life. It’s not just a paradox; it’s how God created us to live. And not just in words but in action and truth.

Jesus never asks us to do anything He wasn’t willing to do first. Jesus laid down His life, so we’re called to lay down ours for others. Jesus died so we could have eternal life, and we’re called to share that message with the world. Jesus exchanged His plans for God’s, trusting that God knew best, and we’re called to do the same.

In my life, I’ve experienced many seasons when I had to “let something die.” It was never a physical death, but my desire to be in a romantic relationship, my desire to be in control, my desire to be a traditionally published author. Five years into teaching, I felt like that grain of wheat that had fallen and died. I had nothing left to give. But now, looking back, I see what was produced. Looking back, I know the value and growth in surrendering control.

These times were heartbreaking. They felt like a loss. But in time, I began to see what God was planting and producing through the death, and I’m confident that He’s growing and creating in you. If we must experience death this side of heaven, it’s for a purpose. And what if the very thing you’re afraid to let go of is the beginning of something beautiful God wants to grow through you?

Even dying seeds hold promises. They aren’t always promises we can see, but they are promises God’s hands hold. Death is not the end. It’s the soil where new life, free and abundant, begins.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Today, I give you _____. I’m struggling to see the death of _____ because I want to maintain control. In this wrestling, please help me by telling me that you have better plans for me. Teach me that when something has to die, it’s often just the beginning. Do a work in me as I learn to see the beauty and value in a death that brings life. We praise, thank, and trust you, Lord. Amen.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Sasiistock

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber

Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.

In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward

If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!