We cling to what we know — it’s wired into us, this instinct to protect and preserve. But there’s a paradox at the heart of faith that runs counter to every survival instinct we possess: sometimes the only path to life is through death. Not physical death, but the death of self — letting go of our need to control, our demand to be right, our insistence on our own way.
Pastor D. G. Hargrove understands this tension and shows practical ways to walk selflessly, because the life we’re protecting so fiercely might be the very thing keeping us from the life we were meant to live.
Life in Christ is a journey of letting go—of what was, what hurt, what held you—and stepping into what God is growing next. No matter who you are or what you’re facing, this truth remains the same: spiritual growth requires surrender.
When we release the past, God releases the future.
1. When Something Dies, God Multiplies It
John 12:24 (KJV)
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”
Every gardener understands this—growth begins in the ground. Jesus taught that death precedes multiplication. Some things in your life must be buried before they can bear fruit. Dreams, relationships, or seasons that have ended aren’t wasted—they’re planted.
Sometimes what you let die is what God uses to multiply your life.
2. You Can’t Move Forward Looking Back
Philippians 3:13–14 (KJV)
“Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark…”
The Apostle Paul shows us the posture of progress—looking ahead. Growth begins the moment you decide to release the past. Whether it’s regret, resentment, or even yesterday’s victories, you can’t step into God’s next chapter while clinging to the last one.
Growth begins when you release the past and reach for what’s ahead.
3. God Is Doing a New Thing
Isaiah 43:18–19 (KJV)
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing…”
God is not recycling your old story—He’s rewriting it. The Lord promises to bring rivers to dry places, purpose to pain, and beauty to what once felt barren. But you’ll miss the new if you keep staring at the old.
You can’t see the new thing God is doing if you’re still holding on to the old.
4. Make Room for the New You
Ephesians 4:22–23 (KJV)
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man… And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.”
Letting go isn’t loss—it’s transformation. To put off the old self is to make space for the Spirit to renew and reshape you. Every time you surrender an old mindset, bitterness, or fear, you give God permission to grow something new inside you.
Letting go of the old self makes room for the new you to grow.
5. Renew Your Mind, Transform Your Life
Romans 12:2 (KJV)
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Transformation isn’t instant—it’s daily. It happens in the quiet decisions to think differently, respond graciously, and trust God fully. When you let go of the world’s patterns and embrace God’s purpose, you’ll begin to see real growth from the inside out.
True growth happens when you let go of the world’s way and embrace God’s transformation.
A Word for the Believer
Believers across the North Cities of Dallas are in a season of divine renewal. God is inviting His people to let go of what’s dying and watch what He’s planting come alive.
Don’t fight the process—trust it. The ground may feel dark, but growth is happening underground. When you let go, God makes it grow.
Reflection Prayer
Lord, help me release what I can’t control and embrace what You’re growing in me. Renew my mind, restore my heart, and let my life bear fruit for Your glory. Amen.
