Matthew 17:20 – He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (NIV)

When I was a child, I had a heart disease, and I was bedridden for a number of years. It was a difficult and lonely time for me, and I am sure that this was also a challenging time for my parents as they cared for me, to keep me busily occupied, and yet, for me to remain quiet in my bed.

Having visitors, including my school tutors, were exciting times for me, breaking up the boredom of staring at the four walls as I lay in my bed. One visitor, whom I remember so very well, was my Sunday School teacher from the local church to which our family belonged. She brought me a wonderful and thoughtful present which I still have today: a lovely brooch pin with a round glass orb and a small mustard seed inside it. Not only had I received a wrapped gift, which is exciting for any child, but along with the gift was a big message, for she told me the Bible parables and stories that Jesus shared about the mustard seed.

This was a time of great concern for my health, and my Sunday School teacher encouraged my faith to look towards strength and healing, as nothing is impossible with God! Taking time out of her day to visit, to bring a gift, and to share this story and her faith with me did make a difference for me in my own faith journey. I remember this visit as if it were just yesterday! It was amazing!

Matthew 13:31-32 – He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 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." (NIV)

Just as the mustard tree provided shelter for the birds, so, also, within the kingdom of God there is a place of rest, shelter, and peace for all, as we are relieved of guilt over our sins, worry about our lives, and the fear of death.

Just as my Sunday School teacher shared the mustard seed parable from her Bible, so also should we be nurturing seeds of faith in others, providing them with a picture of the growing kingdom of God which starts from faith in Him.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for making a place for us in Your kingdom. Help us to plant seeds of faith in those around us. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Nettle <sharonnettle7@gmail.com>
Keady, Ontario, Canada
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