Small Faith

I’d like to continue on our topic of Prayer this week. I know you are familiar with this story Jesus told:

“He told them another parable: "
’The kindom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.
Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants
and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and perch in it’s branches.’”
Matthew 13:31-32

This verse is often shared to encourage us that God can move even with the smallest seed of faith. And all of that is true. I have used it to encourage myself and others in times of doubt or overhelm.

But those who listened to Jesus understood something most of us don’t. Did you know that the mustard seed was something that farmers would watch out for? So when Jesus mentions the man planting the mustard seed they leaned in and listened with intent and interest.

WHY?
The mustard seed is an invasive plant. It would take over the garden by aggressivley spreading. Those listening knew how quickly it would grow, that it would be difficult to contain and could crowd out other crops.

Do you see it yet?
Do you see the connection Jesus wants to make with the small mustard seed of faith?

Jesus uses this small, seemingly insignificant seed as a symbol for the Kingdom of God and the power it has to grow and spread in the most powerful, aggressive, invasive and disruptive way.

Last time we talked about prayer “starting with a need and ending in a relationship.”

What if the next step in our relationship with our Living, Loving God is to take all the authority He has given us and turn it into a powerful, aggressive faith?! A faith that overtakes our fears, doubts, failures and gives us comfort and confidence to believe and see lives changed and experience the Kingdom of God here on earth?!?!?!?

I mean, come on! What if?

The Mustard Seed bush

What if I stopped being gentle with my sin and aggressively choked it out?
What if I stopped rehashing wrongs and hurts and invasively took that over with love, grace and humility?
What if I saw my faith as unstoppable?

We only need a small amount to get started.

How would my expectations going into prayer change?
I think a lot!
Instead of feeling “What difference can I really make?” I would know that I can be invasive to the enemy and crowd out his voice.
I would fight for those I loved and the lost I might not know and let the Kingdom of God move in and through me.

Those listening to Jesus got that. They knew what He was saying and they turned the world upside down with their lives and how they walked out their faith.

I do believe there is a time for lament, we talked about that in this community. There is a place for grief and mourning and longing. If you’re there, take your time through it. Allow Jesus to comfort and guide you.

And here’s one thing I learned about life, ready? It never stays the same for long. Sometimes it can change in the same day where you can find yourself holding joy and grief together.

But no matter what I’m facing, I know I’m not alone. He is right there by my side.

So, I may cry and lament and go to war and fight in the same day. That’s the beauty and craziness of life.

But I have to say how excited I am with this visual of the mustard seed being invasive and aggressive! I feel a little fire growing in me. What about you?

In case you need a reminder of all you are and what is given to you here’s a few verses:
Matthew 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

Luke 9:1&2 “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick…”

Luke 10:18&19 “He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.’”

Go invade some ground today, Loved of God!
All My Love~
xo Jodi

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