[Jesus speaking]
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

When I was 13, my mom passed away from cancer and my world over the next few years seemed to turn upside down. I had prayed, oh how I had prayed, for her to be healed. But it did not happen. I heard the platitudes people would say, “Well, it must have been God’s will” and other inconsiderate things. But I also saw what God could do with a little faith. My mom showed that. She had lived much of her life without Jesus, and when she did find him, she ran to him wholeheartedly. And she loved, she really loved people with the love he gave her. A little seed of faith in her broken and hurting heart multiplied into a marvelous tree giving life to so many!

So as a newly-minted young man of 13, I held onto my faith in God. I did not reject him, though some were poor examples of his love. Because I knew that in spite of not getting what I prayed for, God still REALLY LOVED ME. And that faith has carried me through many ups and downs in life.

Some look at outward appearance and value having a “put together” life. God looks at the heart and takes the little faith we have and explodes it into abundant and beautiful life. Much like the mustard seed turns into a mustard tree.

So today, no matter how I feel, whether or not I have been treated well or poorly in this life, I hold onto my faith in Jesus and trust that he will explode it into a faith that can bless others. Just think, weak and broken me, a mustard tree? Only by the power and grace of God!

Lord, you do amazing things with weak and broken people like me. I grow increasingly tired of staid religion, comparison righteousness, and gossipy or wordy prayers. Realness — a faith that is real, that is what you want. That is all I crave.