Someone posted this morning that it’s “Mustard Seed Monday.” I don’t know if that’s officially a thing or just a cute Instagram caption, but it stuck with me.
You know the verse—Jesus says if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to a mountain “move” and it will move. And nothing will be impossible for you.
I’ve heard that verse a hundred times. I’ve seen it crocheted onto pillows and painted onto church walls. Some people hear it and feel inspired: Yes! I can conquer this mountain in my life! Others hear it and feel challenged: I need to grow my faith. I need to believe more. I need to try harder.
Me?
Well, maybe I’m just wired differently.
Because honestly, my first thought is usually:“I sure haven’t seen any mountains move.”
Like, actual mountains. The Smoky Mountains haven’t gone anywhere. They’re still parked right where they’ve always been, despite how many people have believed they could move.
But weirdly, I don’t find that discouraging.
I find it kind of beautiful. And honestly… relieving.
Because I think maybe the point isn’t about the size of our faith.It’s about the size of our God.
I think Jesus is trying to tell us:“Hey, I know you feel small sometimes. I know you wonder if you have what it takes. I know life feels heavy. But you don’t have to come to me with a mountain-sized faith. You don’t even need a palm tree-sized faith. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to get it all right. I’m not asking for perfection. I’m asking for trust — even if it’s the tiniest little flicker.”
That’s enough. Because I’m enough.
See, when Jesus speaks, we often hear a challenge.
Or if we’re honest, we hear our own shame.
We filter his love through all the ways we think we’ve let him down.
But that’s not him.
When you hear his words and feel guilt, that’s not him.
When you hear his words and feel shame, that’s not him.
When you hear his words and feel like you have to try harder to earn his love, that’s not him.
His message, every time, is simple:“I love you. I’ve got this. Just come with me.”
That’s it.
The God who made the mountains doesn’t need you to move them. He just needs you to show up with what little you’ve got. Even if it’s less than a mustard seed. Even if it’s tired, doubting, questioning, worn-out faith. Even if it’s just one more deep breath and a whispered, “Help.”
That’s enough for him.
So this Mustard Seed Monday, I’m not making a plan to increase my faith. I’m not trying to prove how strong I am. I’m not waiting for the mountains to move.
I’m just remembering that even when my faith feels small, my God is big.
And he’s still right here. Still good. Still moving mountains I don’t even see.
And still whispering,“You’re mine. Let’s keep going.”