Matthew 17:20
“Because you’re not yet taking God seriously,” said Jesus. “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever eaten something with little seeds – poppy seed muffins, blackberries, blueberries or strawberries, etc. – and gotten one stuck in your teeth? It felt like the thing is the size of a marble… right? Yet when the tiny offender was removed, you might have been amazed at how insignificant in size it truly was. Still, it wielded great power – or discomfort – over your life.
Last week, a friend of mine lost her 51-year-old sister to cancer. As I exchanged messages with her, I shared with her how I try to do things for others – to show them kindness, empathy and encouragement – in honor of my brother, Tim, who left us over 14 years ago. I challenged her to honor HER sister in this way… to carry Cindy's amazing legacy for being the hands and feet of Jesus forward to those she encounters.
This week, my cousin’s 42-year-old wife died suddenly from breast cancer. We never even knew she was ill. She masked her rapid decline and talked only of Jesus and how He was allowing her to share in the ministry she and my cousin had founded - and to win countless souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. So in consoling my cousin, I have encouraged him to keep putting one foot in front of the other… to continue the work – and in so doing, to honor Angie as He honors his faith in God.
Neither one of these ladies were community leaders or well-known figures. But mention either name, and you should hear the chatter! You should see Facebook light up with comments about each one and how she blessed others – and how both of these women were on fire for Jesus. They may have been “tiny poppy seeds” on this earth… but their impact was tremendous. God’s power and strength coursing through them could not be contained… it radiated outwardly to everyone they encountered.
What about you? What are you doing with your faith and God’s blessings? Even if you only have “poppy seed faith” – or “mustard seed faith” as many translations of this scripture call it – this is enough to accomplish tremendous things in the name of Jesus. You have Supernatural power and energy running through your veins! How are you using it?
Do you put one foot in front of the other – even when what little faith you may have is tested – and see where God can take you? Isn’t it time you opened your heart to the possibilities He offers? What are you waiting for? There is NOTHING you cannot tackle with God… NOTHING! Are you ready to take Him seriously?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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