The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading PlanSample

Pass the Mustard Seeds

On Tuesday mornings I meet with a number of guys in a group called the Samson Society. Founded by Nate Larkin, the Samson Society is an informal network where men connect with other men in the spirit of accountability. Our conversations are honest, real and confidential, in a no-holds-barred environment. The premise is to find a “Silas” — someone who will walk with you through life and contact you every day. Your Silas is your go-to guy. No matter what is happening in your life, your Silas is the guy to call. This is probably the most eye-opening, weight-lifting, personal growth activity I have ever participated in.

Recently the topic was faith. I really didn’t want to deal with faith, as the week wasn’t shaping up to be all that great and there were some financial issues I had been worrying about. My faith quotient was running a bit low. One of the men excused himself from the group, returning a few minutes later with a jar of mustard seeds. . . .

The first person took a seed and passed the bottle. Guess what? He was immediately rebuked because he took not one but two mustard seeds. When the bottle came to me, I couldn’t believe how tiny they were. Taking one seed from the bottle, I was immediately hit with the object lesson. Interestingly, I was the fourth person around the circle to get the bottle, and by the time I received it the first guy had already lost his mustard seed. It was so small, you didn’t even realize it was in your hand. It has no weight at all. . . .

That encounter with a mustard seed sure made me think long and hard about how much time I spend worrying about Number One — me — and how little time I spend with the Lord. I’m talking about quality time when I’m not distracted by the TV, radio, books, conversations or wandering thoughts, or worrying about something while I’m praying. Memorizing Scripture, singing hymns and songs of praise, and attending church are really important elements of the Christian life. Nothing, however, is a replacement for quality time spent alone with Jesus. I know I don’t spend enough time in prayer and conversation with the Lord. How about you?

Why not commit to getting a jar of your own mustard seeds? Place the jar in a prominent place where you’ll see it often. Consider placing a few seeds in small containers in your car, by your computer, and in other spots in your house. Then remember that having faith the size of one little mustard seed is our goal — faith that the Lord will provide all you need today and throughout your career transition. Sound a bit crazy? Well, maybe — but what have you got to lose? A mustard seed . . . Is that so much to risk?

Taken from Why Did I Lose My Job if God Loves Me?