FAITH

Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32 The mustard seed is indeed one of the smallest seeds in the plant world. And yet when planted and cared for can becomes a home not just for birds, but for literally numerous insects and small animals. The lesson of Jesus is huge. Facing storms. Facing the impossible. Facing change when we don’t want to. Making changes that are difficult. Moving in faith so small it’s seems insignificant. And yet as we move in this small seed of faith, our obedience becomes the fertile ground in which the seed sprouts. God is the Gardner. He comes along aside and strengthens the roots and trims the stems of our faith. Sometimes that looks like trials and hard times. But we continue to be obedient and God continues to help the plant of faith grow up into a full blown faith strong enough to speak to mountains. Faith is activated in part by obedience. “Get up, take your mat and walk.” “Go wash in the river.” “She reached out to touch His robe believing”. Sometimes our Faith is not strengthened until we act in obedience and often that obedience is in things we already know we should do, but out of fear don’t do. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the result. Fear of what God may ask of us on the other side of obedience. The seed of the mustard plant must first be planted in order for the fruit to spring forth. Too often our faith remains small because we fail to even plant it. I encourage you today-do not neglect to “plant” your faith for the direction God is leading. He will produce a harvest thru you as you obediently submit to Him. Keep looking up-Jesus is coming soon.