The Little BitsSample

The Little Mustard Seed

The mustard seed is a small grain, yet it becomes a robust plant that can be as tall as eight feet when it grows to its full potential. Matthew 13:32 says it is "the least of all seeds" but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches. What an incredible example of what God can do with a little.

The Bible uses the mustard seed as a symbol of faith and growth. Matthew 17:20 reminds us that we only need a little faith to “move a mountain,” or to do something seemingly impossible. It takes faith to surrender to Him even when the outcome seems bleak. Faith flows from a heart of submission to a big God!

Jane Marczewski, a contestant on America's Got Talent, revealed that she had cancer, prior to her performance. As she began singing, the judges looked at her with amazement; she sounded like an angel! Not surprisingly, Simon was so impressed that he hit the golden buzzer. When she was interviewed later, she said, "I have a two percent chance of survival, and that is still something." I was brought to tears as Jane stirred all viewers with her touching performance and statement.

Later, I thought about how pleased our God would be with our faithfulness and absolute trust in Him, specifically, with the little things that keep us from fully surrendering: anger, doubt, fear of failure, guilt, etc. These hidden sins or emotions stifle our spiritual walk. They contaminate the good soil and prevent the seed from growing into the mustard tree, but our prayers to remove these hindrances do not go unheard. No prayer request is too small for the all-powerful Savior!

Friends, Jesus sees and counts our gifts and sacrifices to Him, no matter how insignificant to the world. Mark 12:41-44 mentions a widow who gave only two small copper coins as her offering. While others were putting in larger amounts, Jesus commended her for the quality of her offering. Others were giving out of their wealth, but she was generously giving with a heart of faith. Two cents was everything she had that day.

Today, I encourage you to surrender your little bits to Him. Whether it is two percent, two fish, or just two seconds -- He wants to multiply it so that others will see His glory and know that He is the almighty and omnipotent God who can do the unthinkable with your life. He is still the same God who can make a miracle out of our nothings.