Several years ago the Holy Spirit spoke a phrase to my heart that tremendously helped me understand this process. I was thinking about John 8:32, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Knowing this verse was speaking about the truth of His Word, I was wondering why it hadn’t become reality in my life.

Most of us, if honest, would have to acknowledge that our experiences don’t always line up with the Scriptures. For example, we are more than conquerors, but we are sometimes conquered by bad attitudes, sin, unbelief or other weaknesses. We’re told we need never fear, but most Christians do.

Why doesn’t the Word work for me? I thought while meditating about this verse in John.

Because all truth comes in seed form, He so clearly spoke to my heart. What you do with the seed after it is planted will determine whether or not it bears fruit in you.

Suddenly, many other passages of Scripture made sense: the parables of the sower (see Matt. 13; Mark 4; Luke 8); the renewing of the mind (see Rom. 12:1,2); abiding in the Vine by abiding in His Word (see John 15) and others. All of these involve plant­ing seeds and working the process.

I discovered, that day and during subsequent studies, that this process of applying God’s Word is both constructive and destructive. It is a healing scalpel and a destroying sword. It is a watering nutrient and a pruning knife. Through it God gives life to those who believe and releases judgment to those who don’t. And most importantly, I realized its work in me was a process.

Watchman Prayer by Dutch Sheets, p. 136-137. Copyright 2000 Gospel Light/Regal Books, Ventura, CA 93003 Used by Permission