So Jesus said
to them, "Because of your unbelief;
for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you
will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and
nothing will be impossible for you.
(Matthew 17:20
NKJV)
The grain
of mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, but Jesus says that it is a fitting symbol
of the Kingdom of
God, and the
unostentatious beginnings of the Christian era. The number and social position
of the disciples was insignificant in the extreme. And the first germ of truth
sown in the heart of man, woman, or child, is sometimes equally insignificant.
It may be just a sentence, a text, a passing remark which results in a mighty
harvest (Mark 4:30-32).
What is it that
enables this tiny seed to make such a astonishing increase? It lies in its
receptive power, as it receives into its nature the mighty forces which slumber
in the soil, the effect of sunbeams, moisture, and air. So long as a little
aperture is kept open, there is no limit to the fertility and usefulness of the
plant. You may be but a child and your life seem weak and ineffective, but if
you will open your heart to God by faith, He will pour in His mighty fullness,
and the tiny seed become a great tree of strength and usefulness, grace and
beauty.
Let’s not
despise the day of small things. Faith may be as a grain of mustard seed, but
as it is used it will grow. Your effort to do good may seem so insignificant
that it would be hardly missed, if it were discontinued, and yet out of it may
emanate some mighty work which will bring help and comfort to thousands. How
many orphanages, schools, and philanthropic efforts have owed their origin to
the most infinitesimal beginnings? One destitute child cared and ministered to
for Christ's sake has led to another, until finally thousands of little ones
have received a good start in life. What could be more insignificant than the
beginnings of the Gospel message in many a heathen country? Do not be
discouraged. Like Gideon, you may be only a cake of barley bread, but by faith
you may overturn the tents of Midian. Like the little boy, you may only be able
to place five tiny loaves and two small fish in the hands of Jesus, but He will
bless them and make them sufficient to feed the multitude. A stone may bring
Goliath to the dust; an arrow may pierce through the armor of the enemy
warrior. Have faith in God; Reckon on God's faithfulness to you!
PRAYER
Lord, increase
our faith. Give us a child like faith to receive what You offer, and from this
moment may a new sense of the presence and power of God, through the Holy
Spirit, come to us. In Jesus’ name I
pray, AMEN.
God's Daily Promise
Promise #174:
I will protect the fatherless, and widows can trust in Me.
Jeremiah 49:11 (WEB)
Leave your fatherless children, I will preserve them alive;
and let your widows trust in me.
I will protect the fatherless, and widows can trust in Me.
Jeremiah 49:11 (WEB)
Leave your fatherless children, I will preserve them alive;
and let your widows trust in me.
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