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Listen while you read: "Hallelujah Hallelujah"1 (Lyrics) |
Matthew 17:20 – He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (NIV)
When I was a child, I had a heart disease, and I was bedridden for a number of years. It was a difficult and lonely time for me, and I am sure that this was also a challenging time for my parents as they cared for me, to keep me busily occupied, and yet, for me to remain quiet in my bed.
Having visitors, including my school tutors, were exciting times for me, breaking up the boredom of staring at the four walls as I lay in my bed. One visitor, whom I remember so very well, was my Sunday School teacher from the local church to which our family belonged. She brought me a wonderful and thoughtful present which I still have today: a lovely brooch pin with a round glass orb and a small mustard seed inside it. Not only had I received a wrapped gift, which is exciting for any child, but along with the gift was a big message, for she told me the Bible parables and stories that Jesus shared about the mustard seed.
This was a time of great concern for my health, and my Sunday School teacher encouraged my faith to look towards strength and healing, as nothing is impossible with God! Taking time out of her day to visit, to bring a gift, and to share this story and her faith with me did make a difference for me in my own faith journey. I remember this visit as if it were just yesterday! It was amazing!
Matthew 13:31-32 – 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." (NIV)
Just as the mustard tree provided shelter for the birds, so, also, within the kingdom of God there is a place of rest, shelter, and peace for all, as we are relieved of guilt over our sins, worry about our lives, and the fear of death.
Just as my Sunday School teacher shared the mustard seed parable from her Bible, so also should we be nurturing seeds of faith in others, providing them with a picture of the growing kingdom of God which starts from faith in Him.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for making a place for us in Your kingdom. Help us to plant seeds of faith in those around us. Amen.
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Hip replacement on April 17th - please pray for me: "Update April 24, 2025: I am grateful to you all for your prayers. They supported me through my hip..." 
Neighbour: "Aril 24, 2025: Our neighbour Tom just passed away. Pray for the family. In Jesus name. Amen."
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Faith gives us courage and hope.
Thanks, Sharon, for such a good challenge.
Thanks for sharing these encouraging words, Sharon.
Thank you for today’s devotion! Please keep writing and inspiring us. Blessings.
Amen. Thank you for sharing your story of faith Sharon.
God bless you.
Thank you for sharing this seed of faith with us today, Sharon.
Blessings.
Thank you, Sharon. God bless Sunday School teachers! Sometimes we never know if we had any influence.
Thank you, Sharon.
This reminds me of the rest of that – not only the faith of the seed but how it grows and provides just like Jesus does also.
God bless.
Amen, Sharon!
You described a profound experience in a powerful way.
Thank you for writing to us. Yes, The Kingdom of God as provided to us by Jesus is the cure for guilt, worry, fear, and all that causes sadness.
Blessings.
Sharon, Thanks for sharing this lovely memory. By reading about your Sunday School teacher, my own faith is brightened. I’m reminded of a Sunday School teacher who did that for me as a youth. I’ve never forgotten that either.
Praise God for those who planted tiny seeds – as small as a mustard seed!
(Ontario)
Good morning, Sharon,
I thought for sure that your devotional would be about the seeds sprouting here in our area of Grey County, but I was pleasantly surprised. What a wonderful story about your early years, the mustard seed, and the way you were supported. Thank you so much.
Blessings.
Dear Sharon,
Thank you for your beautifully written, inspiring devotional! It has really touched me, especially as I am going through a really worrisome time in my life. Faith in our Father is always the answer, but I can become overwhelmed. Thanks so much again.
Blessings, Gratitude, Joy, Laughter,
(On)
Good morning, Sharon,
I cannot imagine, as a young child, having to stay in bed for years. I am glad you are safe and healthy now.
What an amazing Sunday school teacher to have such a great idea for planting a seed of faith in you in such a powerful way.
I am sure your devotional will inspire others to plant seeds of faith which are done in such a unique way. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your faith journey. Blessings.
Hello Sharon,
What a lovely reflection. The image of the mustard seed really speaks to me today. I’ve been working (for several years) to get a young girl to camp. Her family has some major problems with alcohol. Covid interfered with the church camp for two years. Finally, she is registered for a week in July. I am praying that the seed of faith will be nurtured during her time at the church camp and that her family will renew their commitment to return to church.
Your story really speaks about both caring and perseverance. I hope that your health issues are resolved. Thanks for sharing your faith journey.
(Florida)
Thank you.
Thanks, Sharon, for sharing your story.
Isn’t it interesting that a small act of kindness can change the way we feel about a great many things? Thanks for this.
Thank you, Sharon, for your mustard seed story and memory.
I remember when those mustard seed items were in necklaces on a chain.
What a good memory for you and for me.
Sharon, praying that your health has improved significantly. Blessings.
Sharon thank you for your devotional on a Presbyterian site. Very well said.
Hello Sharon,
Lovely story “Seeds of Faith” in the PresbyCan Daily Devotional. Thank you for sharing it.
(ON)
Amen.