This past weekend, we planted seeds in the garden boxes alongside our home. We spaced them out following the directions on each package. Then, in God’s providence, it rained most of the night. Hopefully, in a week or so, little sprouts will push through the soil and produce zucchini, spaghetti squash, and small pumpkins in 2-3 months.
Seed – A flowering plant’s unit of reproduction, capable of developing into another such plant. The cause or beginning of a feeling, process, or condition.
Jesus likened one’s faith in Him to a seed, the beginning of one’s journey as His follower. He suggested that if our faith is as small as a mustard seed that it contains great potential to overcome obstacles and expand the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:32-33; 17:21). Remarkably the shape and size of a mustard seed, in ancient Middle East, measured 1 millimeter and represented the smallest of seeds in that region. Nevertheless, this tiny seed germinated quickly and grew both wide and tall (up to 10-15 ft), taking over the land, spreading rapidly in fields over a short amount of time.
I find myself pondering the seed of faith planted in my life. I was quite young when that seed first sprouted and began to develop roots. I wonder, how has that seed developed over the years? What does it look like today?
What about you? When was the seed of faith first planted in your soul? What does the seed of living faith look like in your life today?
Wonder with me about the person, path, purpose and posture of your faith.
Hebrews 11 describes faith as being sure of what we hope for and confident in what we do not see (vs. 1-2). In life, we live with faith that oxygen exists in the atmosphere to sustain our lives. We sit in chairs in faith that they support our body weight. We start our cars and turn on our computers in faith believing that these devices will function as designed, even thought we did not create them nor understand all the intricacies of their development. Spiritually, our faith rests not in “good thoughts” or “magical thinking” but, in God. Our triune God is the object of our faith – faith is in the greatness of God who accomplishes His work and plan.
The person upon whom the seed of faith focuses is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ. The focus of faith is God (Hebrews 11:6) – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
Am I earnestly seeking God? Are you?
What about that path of your faith? In what direction do you journey with God? The apostle Peter exhorted followers in whom a seed had been planted to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). As we grow in receiving God’s gifts and experiencing the depths of communion with Him, our faith grows.
How does the seed planted within you look today? Do you desire growth in God?
The apostles cried out to Jesus to increase their faith. Cry out to God to increase your faith; to grow you into a field filled with the fruit of the Spirit that impacts everyone you encounter. Like the father in the story found in Mark 9:22-24, exclaim to God, “I believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” Ask God to grow the seed of faith in your life.
Consider spiritual practices to grow your faith: silence, solitude, Scripture study and meditation, confession, service, prayer, worship, generosity, community, etc. Notice the ways your faith grows and spreads out, impacting others.
The purpose of the seeds planted in my garden is to grow vegetables to enjoy and share with others. I enjoy eating zucchini and squash and decorating with pumpkins. I hope to share this produce with neighbors and friends as they are harvested. Just as Jesus declared that He came to do the will of the Father and bring Him glory (John 5:19 and 12:27), our purpose as we live by faith in Him is the same (Philippians 2:13, Colossians 3:17): to do His will and glorify Him.
I wonder about the purpose of the seed of faith in my soul. In what ways does the purpose of my life reveal the will of God? How do I bring glory to God? What about you? How does God’s glory shine through your attitudes and actions? What does God’s glory look like in your spheres of influence?
Once planted and watered, seeds sowed, only an inch below the surface of the dirt, begin to spring up and develop. It is through the struggle and toil of the soil, as well as the darkness under the ground, that the seed begins to grow. Jesus told His followers to expect hard times and suffering in this world (John 16:33). This reminds me of the posture for the seed of faith in my life. My posture must exhibit persistence. Often through difficulties and hardships, like the dark soil over the seed, the seed of faith in one’s life grows.
The apostle Paul encouraged a posture of perseverance in the midst of hardship (Galatians 6:9). Our faith grows through persistence through life’s misery and difficulties. To deepen trust and dependence upon the greatness of God, we must surrender to His ways and believe that He works for our good (Romans 8:28).
How do you respond when unexpected struggles and toil arise in your day? What is your posture?
As followers of Jesus, God invites us to rest in Him and trust His provision and peace, especially in the midst of problems and pain (Matthew 11:28-29). Consider with God the ways He strengthens you with His presence and His peace when life feels hard. Will you allow God to strengthen your posture and resilience in Him (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)?
Go plant some seeds. Let them offer a concrete reminder of the seed of faith planted by God within your soul. Remember the right focus on the person, Jesus, the object of your faith. Desire and implement a path of growth for the seed planted within your soul. Let your purpose bring glory to God on this earth. May your posture exhibit perseverance through hardships as you rely on the provision and peace of God.
Let the living seed of faith in your life grow and impact others. And, by God’s grace, may you plant the seed of the Gospel in the lives of those around you, growing the kingdom of God.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Luke 17:5-6 – The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Lee Strobel. The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI. 2021.
Gretchen Saffles. The Well-Watered Woman: Rooted in Truth, Growing in Grace, Flourishing in Faith. Carol Stream, IL. 2021.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Chris Tomlin. Let Faith Arise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o94J1TWtKB0
Jeremy Camp. Walk by Faith. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgWOcYpHm0o
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
June 2-15 – Quarryville, PA
Black Rock Retreat – Soul care and teaching for the Black Rock Summer Staff.