#1194. ‘Mustard seed’ faith grows by planting it (27/11/24)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue in our Luke, Exploring Who Jesus is series.

Today, from Luke 17:5-6, we consider how tiny faith has massive power, but we must put the faith that we currently have into practice in order to see victories and for our faith to grow.

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.’ (Luke 17:5-6)

Luke 17:5–6

1. Use the faith that you have

In response to their request for increased faith, Jesus seems to correct them by saying, in effect, ‘Use the small faith that you have rather than waiting for more of it!’ If we wait until we have no fears of doubts we will be waiting forever, and miss the principle that faith grows by acting upon the small faith that that one does have! Like a literal mustard seed, mustard-seed-faith grows by planting it through acts of faith.

This account of Gideon is very informative in regard to using the faith that we have:

‘“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”’ (Judges 6:13-14)

Judges 6:13–14

Gideon has doubts. He and God’s people are in a place of defeat and hopelessness. His faith is shaken and he even accuses the Lord of abandoning them! In response God simply tells him to, ‘“Go in the strength you have…Am I not sending you?”’

2. How do you need to plant your faith?

Gideon’s faith and the disciples’ faith was grown through applying faith in the trials of life. How is God wanting to grow your faith at present? In many parts of the world where they have tornados, many homes have protective basements that people flee into for protection; likewise, what storms are you confronted with and are you taking refuge in faith? War, sickness, loss, relational conflict, lack, poor government, failure… are all reason to run to God and apply faith. We don’t have to wait, today is the day to ‘“Go in the strength you have…Am I not sending you?”’ How do you need to plant your ‘mustard seed’ faith at present?

Let’s pray together as we finish

“Father, please help me to grow the ‘mustard seed’ of faith that I have. I know it’s your will to make me like Christ, the ultimate man of faith and I know that I can only grow in faith through fiery trials. May I trust and honour you in the way that I face the trials of life. Amen”

Our next devotional is on Friday (29th) when continuing in Luke 17:5-6, we reflect on how powerful prayer is that which is inspired by true faith - which is the gift of God.

Luke 17:5–6