What the Tiny Seed Knows

Year 6-Day 289: Today, I am grateful for what the tiny seed knows.

It is easy to rely on physical strength. I remember labor and delivery nurses telling me that twins were stronger than single births and girl babies were survivors. The ones that appear too tiny... too weak and with all the odds stacked against them are often the ones who survive. 

"The tiny seed knew that in order to grow it needed to be dropped in dirt, covered in darkness and struggle to reach the light." -unknown

When I was was a little girl, one of my most prized pieces in my jewelry box was a charm bracelet. On that bracelet was a mustard seed charm  with pieces of this scripture engraved on the back:

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” -Matthew 17:20

It was my favorite charm on the bracelet. It helped write that truth of the words on my heart in my youth, that it might be revealed as I grew older. Look at Mark's eyes on that conversation with Jesus. 

"Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds,  but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” -Mark 40:30-32

Something so tiny grows into something pretty amazing. A plant with long branches and leaves for shade with limbs strong enough to provide a home and a refuge grow from the tiniest of seeds. 

As God reveals His face through his word, I view this verse a little differently. Can faith actually move a mountain? If God deems it to move, it will move. Still, there are times the mountain seems firmly set in place no matter how much we pray or how experiences the prayer warriors.  Look at this passage again. 

It is the smallest of all seeds,  but it becomes the largest of all garden plants;

Tiny seeds of faith that grow and grow. The unknown face of God is revealed in the struggle and the roots become firmly planted. The plant thrives, even in the struggles, as it learns to stretch and reach for the light. The plants struggle becomes grows its strength and it becomes strong enough to share with those who need shade, shelter and a home. 

In other words... mustard seed faith is more than moving a mountain. Nothing becomes impossible. But, the greatest learning comes in the time of struggle to grow. In the moments that we feel covered in dirt and like a complete mess, He is waiting to gently blow the heavy dirt aside so we can stretch, grow stronger and reach for His light. 

"The tiny seed knew that in order to grow it needed to be dropped in the dirt, covered in darkness and struggle to reach for the light." 

Today, I am grateful for what the tiny seed knows.