The Seed Principle: Shifting from Waiting to Planting

“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)

What does a farmer do when he has a barren field that’s producing no income? He doesn’t complain about it. He doesn’t even have to pray about it! He just goes out and starts planting some seed, because nothing is going to happen until he plants the seed. He can pray all he wants, but prayer doesn’t replace planting.

Maybe I think I'm waiting on God. I think I'm waiting on God for that job. I think I'm waiting on God for the windfall. But God might be saying to me, “You think you’re waiting on me? I’m waiting on you! I’m waiting for you to plant a seed.”

Everything in life starts as a seed: a relationship, a marriage, a business, a church. And nothing happens until the seed is planted.

Why does God require me to plant a seed? Because planting is an act of faith. I take what I’ve got, and I give it away. That takes faith, and it brings glory to God.

Jesus described this principle of sowing and reaping when he was trying to explain why he came to earth to die on the cross. In John 12:24 Jesus said, “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). Jesus was saying, “People will be saved and go to heaven because of my death and resurrection. I’m going to plant a seed, and the seed is going to be my life.”

Here’s the principle of sowing and reaping: Whenever I have a need, plant a seed. Whatever I need—more time, more energy, more money, more support, more relationships, more wisdom—just plant a seed. If I need more time, give more time to my family. If I need more money, give it away to someone who needs it. If I need more wisdom, share what wisdom I have with others. Give myself away!

It may not make sense to give away something that I need more of, but that is exactly the kind of attitude that God wants to bless and that will produce fruit in my life.

What need have you been waiting on God to provide? For me, it is the opportunity to work outside my organization to help train, coach, speak and access behavior.

What do I think God might be waiting for me to do about that need?  For me, it is to change my priorities on free time at night, do the work of connecting with others, preparing for individual/group meetings. Plan and document the area's I want cover with folks.

What seed can you plant today? For me, to move forward with volunteering for an event tonight with my church, so that I can meet others and serve and be an example.

What kind of results do I see in myself and others when I plant a seed and give of myself? For me, I make a difference in someone's life, provide clarity and next steps.

How is God building my character through that? For me, he is working through me and the gifts he has given to accomplish his purpose.

In Summary:

In John 12:24, Jesus illustrates the kingdom principle of multiplication through sacrifice: a seed must be surrendered to the soil and lose its current form before it can yield a fruitful harvest. Applying this to daily life, waiting passively on God to deliver an outcome without taking active steps of faith is a misunderstanding of how divine provision operates. True faith requires voluntary investment—releasing time, resources, energy, or comfort—to initiate growth. By serving others and taking active responsibility for the gifts God has provided, personal breakthrough moves from a distant expectation to an active, faith-filled process of character development and impact.

Bottom Line:

Breakthrough requires releasing what is currently in my hand through intentional action, rather than waiting passively for God to move.

Next Steps:

Block off two dedicated hours this week to map out the foundational content for my coaching and training framework, treating my evening preparation time as a non-negotiable investment in my future calling rather than optional free time.