““He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”” Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I’ve been studying the Gospels recently because I really want to get to know God’s revelation of Himself through Christ, and in the book of Matthew a small passage stood out to me.

It stood out because I’m in a place of stretching my faith and learning to trust in God. Naturally, I’m someone who wants all the answers, full clarity, signs, and more before stepping out in faith. But as I’ve matured physically and spiritually, and gained more revelation, I’m beginning to understand that faith is, in many ways, risky.

As I started to gain this understanding, something I thought would bring me closer to God, I actually found myself becoming frustrated, even critical of myself, for not having the kind of bold, radical faith I’d seen in others. I often wondered how I could speed up the process. But reading this passage brought me a real sense of peace. I’ve read the Bible many times, in different translations, yet each time something new stands out.

So the passage says:

““He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”” Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What caught my attention is this: a mustard seed, though small, can grow into something significant. But growth takes time. Like any living organism, it is a process. And despite our desire to rush or skip parts of that process, there is no way around it.

Even the seed itself is powerful because of what it carries within it. Jesus likens our faith to this. Even a small amount has the potential to do incredible things. And imagine what that faith can become with a little watering, time, care, and space to grow.

I say all of that to say this: faith is a journey that takes time. It begins like a mustard seed, but in due season it grows, becoming strong and deeply rooted. As our faith becomes rooted in Christ (our anchor) it develops strength and resilience over time.

So don’t try to skip the process. Allow your faith to grow.

Just as a seed doesn’t avoid the changing seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, but continues to grow through each one, so too should we. There will be both easy and difficult seasons, yet each plays a role in strengthening and establishing us.

Let’s allow ourselves to grow in every season of life, trusting that God is at work in it all.

If these quiet-time reflections are blessing you, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to share with others, and subscribe so you can stay up to date with future posts. ❤

Ruth xx