Mustard-Seed Faith
Jesus said, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you."
-Matthew 17:20 (NRSV)
A small, glass jar containing mustard seeds sits on a shelf in my home. Printed on the jar are the words: "IF YOU HAVE FAITH AS A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED, NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE UNTO YOU." I am always amazed when I look at this jar and see just how small a mustard seed is.
Jesus said that mustard-seed faith can move mountains. In the Bible passage preceding that statement, Jesus' disciples asked why they were powerless to heal an epileptic boy. Jesus told them that it was because they lacked faith. They had been given power to heal the sick, to cast out demons, and to perform miracles in the name of Christ. But on this occasion they failed. Jesus told them the power to heal comes only by much prayer and fasting.
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Mustard-seed faith is faith that acknowledges our absolute dependence on God. When we act on what we believe, when we humble ourselves before God, we find strength in God's mighty power to be a healing presence in the world.
PRAYER...
O God, help us to grow in faith. When our faith is challenged, teach us always to depend on your love and care. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY....
God's power flows through us when we acknowledge our dependence on God.
PRAYER FOCUS....
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