Small But Powerful

As I sit here pondering, my wrist is itching pretty badly. It doesn’t hurt, but it sure is annoying. It is amazing how such a small itch can seem to infiltrate every part of the body. I’m not going to say that I would rather have pain, because I have been there, but a small itch can change everything. Jesus was talking about if we had the faith the size of a mustard seed, that we could tell the mountain to be thrown into the sea and it would obey. I fear we often think that if we are going to be saved, we must know all about the Bible and have done many great works before we can even have a little hope of entering eternity. Why does Jesus think that such a small amount of faith can make such a big difference? Just like that itch, it doesn’t take much faith to transform even the greatest of sinners. This faith isn’t just speaking of knowing God, but rather a genuine hope in Christ. Even if the faith is young or not very strong, if our hearts are submitted to God, He can use that to change us. Our first love is often one that is overwhelming because of our emotions. Just like life's first love, we feel that we can conquer everything. With faith, this is true, but there is often a time of maturity that takes that initial excitement and turns it into a deep intimate love. It is no longer based on feelings, but on the knowledge the Holy Spirit gives and through daily obedience. Going back to faith the size of a mustard seed. Though it is a very tiny seed, it produces a small tree that even the birds can roost in. That is a true comparison of our faith. Even though it may start off small, it is not based on our efforts, but that the Holy Spirit can cause it to grow and bear much fruit. Can we really move a mountain. With God all things are possible, but it is not a power by which we test God. It is the Holy Spirit, not us, that does these things, and true faith would only desire to move mountains if it was beneficial to God’s people. The parting of the Red Sea is a great example of that. Instead of focusing on whether the mountain can be moved, we need to understand that God is telling His faithful people that He can do more through us than we could possibly imagine. The next time we feel that there is no way out, begin praying earnestly for God’s great solution. Father, remind me that I don’t need to know all the answers, but rather to know the one who has all the answers. Amen