Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed

As a Christian, I believe everything happens for a reason. In whatever situation I find myself, I inherently know that Jesus is convicting me of my sins and teaching me a valuable lesson.  After a recent health scare, I received spiritual clarity, the size of a mustard seed, yet more mighty than David’s slingshot. I know this might sound strange, but hear me out!

Once I was on the other side of my health scare, I reflected on how much our Heavenly Father cares for me and how little He requires in return. Jesus showed His love by giving His life to save mine. With this in mind, I couldn’t help but think of Matthew 17:19, where Jesus said that having faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? It’s about 1 millimeter, roughly the size of the tip of a pencil or a sewing needle. Sit with that for a moment.

In our scripture reading, we learn that faith the size of a mustard seed pleased Jesus.  We are familiar with the story of the woman with the issue of blood. In Luke 8:48, Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Jesus healed the blind men in Matthew 9:28-29. He asked, “Do you believe I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Jesus responded, “It shall be done according to your faith.” 

Then, there is the centurion’s servant whom Jesus healed based on the centurion’s faith alone. Luke 7:7,9-10 records the conversation: “But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” When Jesus heard this, He was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

I’ve read these stories countless times, but when vertigo took down my relatively healthy 5’8 frame with such ferocity, I panicked, and my faith waned. Instead of fervent prayers for healing, I found myself in a disciple moment from Matthew 17:20 where Jesus reprimanded them with these words, “Because of the littleness of  your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to here,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”

The disciples saw Jesus perform miracles firsthand. They walked with Him for three years, but because of their limited faith, they were unable to rebuke the demon from the father’s young son.

Like the disciples, I, too, have walked with Jesus and experienced His blessings and wonders in my own life. I am involved in the women’s ministry at my church. I have published two books, contributed to a devotional anthology, and posted monthly Christian newsletters on my website.

Through my online ministry, followers are encouraged to meditate on the inspirational videos I post. I am reading a year-long study in Romans as well as reading the Bible in a year.  But when vertigo attacked and the room spun uncontrollably, I shrank in defeat, and my faith diminished.

In Matthew 17:21, Jesus continued, “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” In a state of panic, I struggled with how to proceed.  And there was my lesson. I was not as girded up for spiritual warfare as I thought. My ministry work is no excuse for why I have not been consistent with my prayers. One area that stood out specifically is the decrease in prayers over my favorite Bible passage.

I stared at the open Bible on my coffee table. For the last six years, it’s been open to Psalm 63. A Psalm of David that I once faithfully read and prayed over daily. I sighed, realizing how much I had strayed. I thanked God for my vertigo episode, conviction of my sins, and the life-changing lesson to always be prepared to fight against spiritual warfare. Then, I read and prayed over Psalm 63 (NASB).

O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;

My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,

In a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,

To see Your power and Your glory.

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,

My lips will praise You.

So I will bless You as long as I live;

I will lift up my hands in Your name.

My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,

And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.

When I remember You on my bed,

I meditate on You in the night watches,

For You have been my help.

And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.

My soul clings to You;

Your right hand upholds me.

But those who seek my life to destroy it,

Will go into the depths of the earth.

They will be delivered over to the power of the sword;

They will be prey for foxes.

But the king will rejoice in God;

Everyone who swears by Him will glory,

For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.

Amen.

May God keep you and bless you,

Tika