By: Sylvia Reynolds-Blakely
I think there are times when all of us wonder whether or not we have "the right stuff" to be used by God to advance His Kingdom. I know I have had many doubts over the years about my ability to be effective for Him. I've asked, 'Lord, what do You see in me that makes me worthy to serve?' The lowly mustard seed came to mind as I pondered this question. Think about it: A mustard seed takes up practically no space at all; it has almost no weight and lacks what one might call, "presence." Unless the little black mustard seed was sitting on a white background, you'd probably miss seeing it. And that got me thinking: What others may miss seeing in you, God does not. As Jesus' parable about the Kingdom of God illustrates in Mark 4:30-32, like a mustard seed, His whole Kingdom may be unnoticed by some, yet the power it holds can and will transform the world.
Not only does the lowly mustard seed possess the genetic material to produce a mighty tree, but its very presence, as I mentioned earlier, might be missed if it wasn’t sitting in contrast to its backdrop of the world around it. As Christ followers, we are to stand out, no matter how small we appear to others, because inside of us is the POTENTIAL to become a noticeable force for God. What others overlook at various stages in our walk with Christ will not be missed as we fully mature. We will be able to provide shade and protection for others as they harvest, all the while producing more seeds, or disciples, for the Kingdom.
Does it matter that the mustard seed feels either worthy or unworthy? No. By virtue of its existence, God deems it worthy. It just needs to be willing to be planted to express what God has already placed inside of it.
As a mustard seed, you must be prepared to be: unseen, underestimated, dismissed, and even trivialized. And while you may be doubted by others, don't doubt your own unique assignment which is meant to grow and mature you. Be obedient to every small detail of your ministry – especially the aspects that frighten you or cause you to question your ability. After all, you are operating out of Kingdom power anyway, right?
Be ready to express everything God has created you to be, and don't expect extra kudos for doing what you were uniquely designed to do. Jesus reminds us in Luke 17:9 (CEV), "Servants don't deserve special thanks for doing what they are supposed to do." Simply be obedient. Let the Lord of Hosts plant and water you, and wait and see what only He can produce through you. After all, you (yes, little ol' you) were designed to bring the Master glory. Amen and Amen.
Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32 NLT

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