The Hidden Seed That Quietly Shapes Your Whole Life
Years ago, as I stepped into the Havana, Cuba airport—excited, nervous, and ready to serve at a series of women’s conferences—I had no idea God was about to give me an unexpected lesson.
A stern customs agent opened my suitcase, reached in, pulled out my small bag of organic apples, and shook his head.
“No fresh fruit,” he said. “It’s not the peel. It’s not the pulp. It’s the seeds. They can contaminate the country.”
I felt embarrassed…but also suddenly aware: sometimes God speaks through the smallest, most ordinary moments.
And right there in the middle of a bustling airport, He whispered a truth I had been too busy to notice.
The Seeds We Carry
Just like those apples, you and I carry seeds—not in luggage, but deep in the heart.
Seeds from past wounds. Seeds of fear. Seeds of criticism, insecurity, shame, or disappointment.
From the outside, we might seem calm, capable, even joyful. But inside, hidden seeds can quietly take root—shaping our confidence, peace, relationships, and even our faith.
Scripture tells us: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)
A small seed of insecurity can sprout into anxiety. A seed of shame can bloom into self-doubt. A seed of fear can choke out courage before it ever blossoms.
But here is the freeing truth: you can remove the wrong seeds.
The customs agent didn’t hesitate—he tossed the apples, seeds and all, into the trash.
You can do the same.
In Christ, you have the authority to uproot anything He did not plant.
“Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.” (Matthew 15:13)
You can stop watering old wounds. You can starve insecurity. You can refuse to nurture fear. You can toss out shame. You can remove lies that don’t match God’s truth about you.
No seed grows without your permission.
Plant What Heaven Placed in You
Once you release what doesn’t belong, your heart becomes fresh, open soil—ready for God’s good seed.
Plant confidence. Plant courage. Plant wisdom. Plant identity in Christ. Plant faith that outgrows fear.
“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” (Psalm 126:5)
Even small, steady steps of obedience grow into a life that is purposeful, peaceful, and whole.
A Question for Your Heart
What seed are you watering today?
Maybe this is your own Havana-airport moment—a chance to say: this seed doesn’t get to travel with me anymore.
God has too much goodness, healing, and promise ahead for you to carry what contaminates your joy.
Let’s Pray
Lord, search my heart and show me the seeds that do not belong—seeds of fear, shame, insecurity, or lies. Give me the courage to let them go and the wisdom to plant Your truth instead. Make my heart good soil for Your peace, Your joy, and Your purpose. Amen.
If this spoke to your heart, take one simple, gentle step today: What seed do you think He wants to remove…and what new seed He wants you to plant?
Bonus article on today’s topic.
Janet
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