Faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith is the heavenly currency that never loses its value and always gives a return and/or dividend. We are told in the New Testament that faith, even the size of a mustard seed, is very powerful in the life of the believer. It has a way of making the impossible seem obtainable and doable. It has a way of moving God in your direction and then miraculous things happen. Jesus tells us in Matthew 17:20 that if we have faith like a mustard seed, we can speak to mountains in our lives and they be moved, and literally nothing would be impossible to us. This is the value that God assigns to faith. He said nothing, NOTHING, would be impossible for us. That’s powerful! And it takes faith to believe His Word and then to live by it.
A mustard seed is a very tiny seed that is no more than about 1-2mm in diameter; so very small. Yet, the flavor it packs is BIG! So when Jesus references us having faith even as small as a mustard seed, He is saying that even with the smallest belief in God and His Word, we can change atmospheres; we can rearrange landscapes. And I would say that this is exactly what He is expecting us to do as representatives of His Kingdom in the earth. When we sow, or plant, the seed of faith, it will become a flourishing big tree when it is grown and provide safe haven for those in this world when they seek it. Having faith, even a little, is the foundation; the maturing of our faith is us becoming those trees that give life altering comfort and hope to others along our paths. As we grow our faith, we become as strong as trees that provide shade and a safe place for others to land when they need to rest and be replenished in this life.
Allow me to get a little scientific to further drive this home. Mustard seeds contain what is called phenolic compunds that are known for their antioxidant behavior. In other words when these compoinds mingle with free radicals in our bodies, which could potentially cause harm, they, the compounds, stop any type of harmful effects the free radicals could cause. So when we look at faith as an inhibitor or blocker of harm and danger, we understand a little more why it is such a valuable currency in the Kingdom of God. And when faith is full grown having grown up like a tree, strong and with many branches, we see how life given our faith is to not only ourselves but also others.
So the symbolism of the mustard seed, our faith, and the Kingdom of God: It is the transformation of such a small seed into a robust and steadfast tree standing tall, unyielding to external forces. The mustard seed represents growth, dependence, and faith. The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed in that once it begins to grow, it is hard to stop. The kingdom of God is unstoppable. Once it takes root, it is going to just spread out further and further. And our faith should be the same.
Scripture References: Matthew 17:20; Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:6; Luke 17:6; Romans 1:17; Romans 3:28
reflective journal prompts
Take this time to reflect and journal using the prompt questions below. Use this time for introspection and communion with God. Feel free to leave a comment on the post but use your own journal to go deeper and to capture what you feel the Holy Spirit is sharing with you.
Q: What are you hoping for that you recognize is a part of God’s will for your life and that you are standing in faith to receive it?
Q: What is the evidence, or proof, of those things that you can’t see right now?
Q: As you look over your life, how do you recognize the transformation and growth of your faith to where you are able to be that life-giving comfort for someone else?
Write a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the mustard seedlike faith He has given you and His intent and purpose for that faith. Reflect on how it has shown up in your life thus far.
