Warning: I Have A Mustard Seed!

The other day I shared a photo that had the words “I have a mustard seed and I’m not afraid to use it”. My first response was to laugh; however, that laugher moved to pondering and a challenge. A mustard seed is only 1-2 millimeters in diameter. I grew up in the days of charm bracelets and on my bracelet was a mustard seed. However, that seed has some form of a magnifier around it so you can see it better. Within Christian circles, we often talk about that mustard seed faith. Few people can state where it is found in Scripture or the issue that surrounded that statement. In Matthew 10, Jesus sends out the 12 Apostles to “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons" (Matthew 10:8). They came back amazed at the power and authority they were functioning in. As time goes on, they sit under Jesus' teaching and see many signs wonders and miracles. I can't even imagine what they saw, experienced and heard. It is in Matthew 17 where we find the account that includes a mustard seed analogy. I’m pretty sure that the disciples thought they had things figured out. Yet, in their journey, they encounter a boy who has seizures and suffers terribly. We quickly learn that the disciples were unable to heal him and the father is desperate for help! Jesus leans into the moment and speaks to the demon and tells it to leave. One of the keys is when things don’t go the way we think they should, we must take time to sit with Jesus. This is what the disciples did. They took time to be with Jesus and ask the question, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?” Of all things, Jesus points to a mustard seed. He told them, “It was because of your lack of faith. I promise you, if you have faith inside of you no bigger than the size of a small mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move away from here and go over there,’ and you will see it move! There is nothing you couldn’t do! (Matthew 17:20 TPT) As I ponder Jesus' response to his disciples, I realize that not only is a mustard seed small, but it also has growth potential. A mustard seed, in the right environment, will grow far beyond its size. Jesus had spoken of a mustard seed prior to this account. In Matthew 13, we read. “Heaven’s kingdom realm can be compared to the tiny mustard seed that a man takes and plants in his field. Although the smallest of all the seeds, it eventually grows into the greatest of garden plants, becoming a tree for birds to come and build their nests in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32 TPT) The disciples had experienced the power of the Kingdom of Heaven. They had walked in an aspect of it. However, there was more, and Jesus was letting them know that they still had growing to do. And, I would venture to say that we still have growing to do. When we feel unsure, when the person isn’t healed, and the situation is not remedied, we need to take time to sit with Jesus and learn. And, we need to ask Him to give us a measure of His faith that our mustard seed faith can grow and become the greatest of garden plants and a shelter for a hurting world. I have a mustard seed in my hand. As I sit with the Lord that mustard seed WILL grow. So beware, I have a mustard seed and I am not afraid to use it! Why? Because it is what I was created to do!!! How about you?