Sometimes it’s my kiddos who get the wheels in my brain turning. Sometimes they even teach me a thing or two although I hate to admit that part. Earlier this week my oldest was telling me about a friends testimony that used the parable of the mustard seed. It had made a story he had heard often in Sunday school take on new light and invigorate his faith.
This, of course, meant that I had to take a look at this often sited parable to see if I saw anything new, as well. I needed to remind myself of the strength that comes from a tiny seed.
31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32 NIV).
The tiny mustard seed grows quickly. It digs deep and strong roots. It can become a vibrant tree that adds to the vitality of the soil. It gives the soil nutrients that protects it and other plants from pests and weeds.
Later in scripture Jesus chastises the disciples for having a small faith and that even the faith of mustard seed could move mountains. Mustard seeds are very small, no doubt, but they are mighty. To become the deep rooted, life giving tree it becomes, it takes a faith that is nourished, strengthened, so that it can grow and develop into the strong plant it has the potential to become.
We all have that potential. We all start with a small faith that is immature and needs nourishment. We all have the potential to become deeply rooted and strong.
I often feel like my faith is small and insignificant. I wonder if I could move the mountains in my life. The truth is, I can’t. God can. It takes a deeply rooted faith, trust in God to move the mountains. Mountains of shame, doubt, illness, fear and so many more plague us. He gives us the strength to move through and over them. I want faith like a mustard seed. I want to continue to nourish my roots in Him to grow strong in faith.
How about you? Is your faith able to traverse mountains? Is it like a mustard seed? How do you deepen your roots? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.