God Brings New Life From Death
Monday, June 3, 2024 by Melissa McLaughlin

I reached down, pulled out a seedling, and paused in wonder. God made that!

I was heading to the backyard to check on our tomato plants. Instead of lush tomatoes, I discovered maple seedlings blanketing the flowerbeds and garden. A sea of sprouts had popped up seemingly overnight, announcing their arrival with bright green leaves.

These unique seeds drop like helicopters from the maple trees in spring. As kids, we split the seeds, stuck them on our noses, and pretended to be rhinoceroses. How many uses are there for one kind of seed?

When I consider the maple seed, I am astounded at God’s marvelous life-giving code written into this world.

This tiny seed lost its connection to the tree, its only source of life. It fell to the earth. Dried and dead. Waiting in the dark for God’s timeline of death, resurrection, and new life.

After being buried under mulch, life broke forth. Roots stretched down to absorb nourishment and moisture from the soil. Leaves sprouted up to gain energy from the sun.

What once was dead and buried is alive and thriving.

Here’s a picture of a maple seedling from our backyard. Isn’t it amazing?

Are you in a time of waiting? Waiting in the dark?

Do you feel like you are buried under anxiety, grief, or sorrow?

Not sure what tomorrow will bring?

Let your roots sink deep into God’s Word. His life-giving force is inscribed in Scripture. Rest there and let the Spirit nourish you. He restores and revives with truth and grace. Let your face turn toward the Son. Receive His light. Allow His soul-warming love to enfold you.

Remember the life force God infused into this world. It’s in creation. It’s in His Word and His Son. As believers in Christ, it’s in you and me through His indwelling Spirit.

However, for plants to develop, seeds must release and die to sprout fresh life.

Wherever you are in God’s spiritual cycle of life, death, burial, resurrection, and new life, may you reach for Him, rest with Him, and hope in Him. He is cultivating you for a kingdom harvest.

The God of all life is living, breathing, active, and powerful. His purposes will be accomplished. And one day, believers will know the fullness of resurrection and eternal life in Christ.

Take heart, my friend. Though we may experience seasons of darkness and waiting until that day, He’s not finished growing you yet!

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. John 12:24 (NKJV)

Do you have a favorite song or Scripture about new life in Christ? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I leave you with a few lyrics from the song, “In Christ Alone,” by Keith and Kristyn Getty.

There in the ground, His body lay
Light of the world, by darkness, slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave, He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of Hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘Til He returns or calls me home
Here, in the power of Christ, I’ll stand

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

You are God's Masterpiece
Melissa McLaughlin
3/23/2026

Let the Wind of God's Spirit Sweep Over You
Melissa McLaughlin
2/23/2026

How Does the Light of Christ Change Your Heart?
Melissa McLaughlin
2/9/2026

3 Ways to Set Your Affections on Things Above
Melissa McLaughlin
1/26/2026

3 Ways to Shine Christ's Light in the New Year
Melissa McLaughlin
1/12/2026

Half a Walk is Better Than No Walk
Melissa McLaughlin
11/10/2025

You May Be the One
Melissa McLaughlin
11/3/2025

How is God's Spirit Like the Wind?
Melissa McLaughlin
9/15/2025

Are You Stretching for More of God?
Melissa McLaughlin
9/8/2025

Turn On the Light of Christ
Melissa McLaughlin
9/1/2025

Where is God Planting You?
Melissa A. McLaughlin
8/20/2025

Are You Seeking the City That is to Come?
Melissa McLaughlin
7/23/2025