mustard-seed.jpgThe Kingdom of Heaven is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds but becomes the largest of plants and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter. Matthew 13: 31, 32

I’ve always been intrigued by the story of the mustard seed. Jesus once said if we have faith like a mustard seed, we can move mountains.

So exactly, what kind of faith does that little guy have? Well, let me go out on a limb (pun intended) and try to find out.

First, I’m guessing he has vision. He says, I may be tiny and insignificant now, but someday, I’ll be a tree! I read the Purpose Driven Life and I know God has bigger and better things in store.

But then, I’m thinking he also has courage. You see, as long as he stays attached to the branch, he will never amount to anything. Now, that branch is his security. He draws life from it. But if he wants to become a tree, he will need to let go. Venture out. Cut the apron strings.

This little guy is not afraid of adversity. He knows that to let go and fall to the ground means danger. He could be trampled. Mud thrown in his face. He says, “Bring it on!”

But one last thing, and I’m wondering if he knows about this. Before a seed can become a tree, the seed must first die. That is the hard part! 

Jesus said, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies it will be alone. But if it dies, it will bring forth much fruit (John 12:24).

So how does all of this apply to us today?

There have been times I have had vision. I’m sure you have as well. Maybe we had the courage to venture out. Weren’t afraid of a little adversity. But that dying part… whoa, let’s not talk about dying. We don’t want to go there.

Interestingly, I have found that sometimes, the things you want most in life, you must release. You must let go. And it can be like a death. But often, the vision simply cannot come to pass until that death process takes place.

I once read an article on the thee stages of a vision: the birth of a vision, the death of a vision, the fulfillment of a vision. I’ve seen it happen in my own life. I don’t know why it has worked that way, but it has. More than once.

The concept was personified in the life of Christ. God’s redemptive plan could not be fulfilled until Jesus gave His life.

That little seed has the potential to move mountains. I believe you and I can as well, if we have vision, courage, and a willingness to do whatever He asks, no matter how great the sacrifice.

So my prayer today is that you and I might have faith like that mustard seed. Full of vision. Willing to take risks. Unafraid of adversity. And if necessary, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to see His plan fulfilled in our lives. Amen.