Tag: Faith of a Mustard Seed

Ruth 4:18-22 NIV

[18] This, then, is the family line of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, [19] Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, [20] Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, [21] Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed, [22] Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David.

I often see people trying to argue that the Messiah’s bloodline was perfect and pure, but that’s far from the truth. His line consisted of adulterers, murderers, liars, and even prostitutes. There are only four mothers named in Jesus’ genealogy: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Mary (Matthew 1:1-16).

Rahab even made it into the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. Now, I want you to understand that Rahab wasn’t a Jew. She was a Canaanite from the city of Jericho. Not only was she a gentile, she was also a prostitute. These would have been pretty damning traits, but one act of faith in Jericho that night not only redeemed her and her entire family but gave her a line in the ancestry of the messiah.

You may be an enemy of God living in sin that you think is too great to be forgiven, but God is calling you to Himself. His desire is that none should perish, but all come to everlasting life (2 Peter 3:9). If God could use a prostitute who wasn’t just a gentile but was a gentile God said would be expelled from the land because of their great sin and idolatry to be an ancestor of King David and the Messiah then He can use you as well. It’s never too late for God to use anyone. All that is necessary is the act of faith: repentance and confession in Christ Jesus, our LORD and Savior.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Act In Faith. 

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens… He has made everything beautiful in its time” NIV (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11).

Life often feels like a race against time. We set goals, make plans, and expect results on our schedule. But God’s timing is not always our timing. Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a season for everything, and God makes everything beautiful in His time. Trusting God’s timing requires patience, faith, and surrender, but it leads to outcomes far greater than we could imagine.

Consider the story of Abraham and Sarah. God promised them a son, but years passed with no child. They were old, and hope seemed lost. In their impatience, they tried to fulfill God’s promise their way—through Hagar, Sarah’s servant—resulting in Ishmael’s birth and family strife (Genesis 16). Yet God’s promise was not forgotten. At the appointed time, when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90, Isaac, the child of promise, was born (Genesis 21:1-3). God’s timing was perfect, fulfilling His plan not only for Abraham’s family but for generations to come, as Isaac became part of the lineage leading to Jesus.

Like Abraham and Sarah, we often struggle to wait on God. We may pray for a job, a spouse, healing, or a breakthrough, only to feel like God is silent. In those moments, doubt creeps in: Does God hear me? Has He forgotten me? But Scripture assures us that God is never late. His delays are not denials but opportunities to grow in faith and dependence on Him.

Waiting on God is not passive; it’s active trust. It’s choosing to pray instead of worry, to obey even when the path is unclear, and to rest in God’s goodness. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Waiting strengthens our spiritual muscles, teaching us perseverance and deepening our reliance on God’s wisdom over our own.

A young woman named Emily dreamed of becoming a missionary. She applied to several organizations, but doors kept closing. Discouraged, she took a job teaching at a local school, feeling like her calling was on hold. Over time, she built relationships with her students, sharing her faith in small ways. One day, a student approached her, saying, “Because of you, I started reading the Bible, and I gave my life to Christ.” Emily realized God had placed her exactly where she needed to be. Years later, she did go overseas as a missionary, but she saw that God’s “delay” was preparation, equipping her with skills and maturity for the mission field. God’s timing was perfect, aligning her heart with His purpose.

Why is waiting so hard? Our culture prizes instant gratification, and trusting an unseen God feels counterintuitive. Yet God’s timing is rooted in His omniscience—He sees the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). He knows when we’re ready, when others are ready, and when circumstances align for His glory. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. His plans are higher, and His timing is flawless.

So, how do we wait well? First, stay in God’s Word. Scripture anchors us in truth, reminding us of God’s faithfulness (Joshua 23:14). Second, pray continually. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Third, reflect on past faithfulness. Recall times God came through—your “Ebenezer stones” (1 Samuel 7:12)—to fuel hope for the future. Finally, serve where you are. Like Emily, use the waiting season to bless others, trusting that God is at work.

As you face your own waiting season, remember that God is not slow in keeping His promises (2 Peter 3:9). He is weaving a story far greater than you can see. Just as spring follows winter, God’s answers come in their season, beautiful and right on time. Trust Him, rest in His love, and let His peace guard your heart (Philippians 4:7).

Father, thank You that I can trust and depend on Your word, and that not one of Your good promises will ever fail me. Teach me how to depend and trust in You, in Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

And as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam…” ^NKJV (Joshua 3:15–16).

The Israelites stood at the Jordan River, its waters raging at flood stage, giants lurking in the promised land beyond. After 40 years of wandering, the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey was within reach—but the river blocked their path. God’s command was clear: “Step into the water” (Joshua 3:8). The priests, carrying the ark of God’s presence, didn’t wait for the river to part or the waters to calm. They acted in “ho pistis,” the faith that trusts God to move despite impossible odds. When their feet touched the flood, God stopped the waters miles away at a town called Adam, opening a path on dry ground to the promise (Joshua 3:16–17).

Imagine Mark, a single father, staring at a job application for a role that could transform his family’s future. Fear whispers, You’re not qualified. You’ll fail. Like the Israelites at the Jordan River, its waters raging at flood stage with giants lurking just beyond, Mark faces a barrier. God’s command to the priests was: “Step out into the water” (Joshua 3:8). Carrying the ark of God’s presence, they didn’t wait for the river to part. They acted trusting God against impossible odds, and God came through for them. As soon as their feet touched the water, it was God’s turn to act, and He did by opening a dry path to their promise (Joshua 3:16–17).

What’s your Jordan? A fear that paralyzes you? A calling you’ve delayed? A relationship needing forgiveness? Spiritual laziness tempts you to stay on the bank, waiting for perfect conditions or a guaranteed outcome. But “ho pistis” isn’t passive belief—it’s a deep trust that exercises faith to make the waters stop. You don’t need to wade in deep or have all the answers. Like the priests, you just need to take one step, carrying the Holy Spirit’s presence. Your step invites God’s power to do the impossible, bringing “sōzō”—His healing, deliverance, and salvation (Matthew 9:22).

The priests’ faith wasn’t reckless; it was rooted in God’s promise and presence. You carry the same Spirit who stopped the Jordan, who empowered Jesus’s miracles (Acts 1:8). What’s holding you back? Doubt whispering failure? Comfort keeping you stuck? Stop making excuses—God’s word is sure: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:2). The Jordan didn’t part until the priests acted. Your miracle won’t come until you move. Today, reject timidity and exercise your faith like a muscle. Name your Jordan, trust the Holy Spirit, and take one bold step. God is already working, stopping your waters before you see it.

Father, thank You that You always go ahead of me in every circumstance and in every situation. Thank You that You always work everything to my good. I want to praise You and thank You for being a good, good Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.

You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, “When you have come to the edge of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand in the Jordan” ^NKJV (Joshua 3:8).

The Israelites faced a raging Jordan River, swollen at flood stage, with giants waiting in the promised land. God’s command to the priests was daunting: step into the water’s edge, carrying the ark of His presence (Joshua 3:8). Joshua didn’t flinch—he boldly proclaimed that when the priests’ feet touched the river, the waters would stop and pile up (Joshua 3:13). This wasn’t reckless courage; it was preparation rooted in “ho pistis,” the faith that acts on God’s word. The priests didn’t just hope for a miracle. They readied their hearts, surrendered their fear, and stood poised to move, trusting the LORD of all the earth to lead them.

Now,  picture a young woman named Sarah, standing at the edge of a turbulent river, her heart pounding. She’s been called to lead a ministry, but doubts flood her mind: What if I fail? What if no one listens? The water churns before her, much like the Jordan River at flood stage, which the Israelites faced with giants waiting beyond. God’s command to the priests was daunting: step into the water’s edge, carrying the ark of His presence (Joshua 3:8). Joshua didn’t waver—he boldly proclaimed that when the priests’ feet touched the river, the waters would stop and pile up (Joshua 3:13). This wasn’t reckless courage but “ho pistis,” the faith that acts on God’s word. The priests didn’t merely hope for a miracle; they readied their hearts, surrendered their fear, and stood poised to move, trusting the LORD of all the earth.

Like Sarah, what’s keeping you from stepping out? Fear of failure? A need for certainty? A comfortable routine? God doesn’t call you to linger on the bank, spoon-fed and timid, waiting for calm waters. Spiritual laziness—clinging to doubt or delay—robs you of His promises. The priests carried the ark, a symbol of God’s presence; you carry the Holy Spirit, the same power that stopped the Jordan and raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). Joshua’s proclamation wasn’t guesswork but faith speaking God’s truth before the manifestation of the miracle (2 Corinthians 4:13).

Imagine Sarah again, clutching her Bible, whispering a prayer for courage. She steps forward, trembling, and shares her vision with her church. The doubts don’t vanish, but as she speaks, hearts stir, and a team forms around her. The “waters” of fear part, not because she’s fearless, but because she trusts God’s promise. Your Jordan might be a conversation you’ve avoided, a ministry you’ve delayed, or a sin you need to confess. Preparation means rejecting excuses and casting aside procrastination. The priests faced a flood yet trusted God’s command over their own eyes. God goes before you, declaring, “I will go before you and level the exalted places” (Isaiah 45:2).

Today, prepare your heart—surrender your fear, pray for boldness, and proclaim God’s promise. Like Sarah and the priests, stand at the edge of His call, ready to act and make the waters stop.

Heavenly Father, I pray for boldness and for confidence. I pray that the faith would stir deep inside me and come flowing out like a mighty river of praise, in Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the Ark of the LORD, the LORD of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap. ~ Joshua 3:13 ^NKJV

For nearly 500 years, God’s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey burned in the Israelites’ hearts, a hope passed from Abraham right down to a nation wandering in the desert. Now, they stood at the Jordan River, its waters raging at flood stage, with giants lurking in the land beyond. The promise seemed impossible—how could they cross a flooded river or face such enemies? Yet God spoke through Joshua: when the priests, carrying the ark of His presence, step into the water, the river will stop (Joshua 3:13). This wasn’t blind hope or wishful thinking. It was “ho pistis,” the faith that trusts God’s word over raging waters and towering obstacles. 

What promise has God given you? A calling to serve? Healing for a broken body or a broken heart? Restoration of a relationship or a dream? Like the Israelites, you face your own Jordans—fear that paralyzes, doubt that whispers failure, or circumstances that loom like giants. Spiritual laziness tempts you to shrug off God’s word, to stay safe on the riverbank, craving certainty before you move. But “ho pistis” isn’t passive—it’s a deep trust that believes God will do the impossible. The priests didn’t see the waters part first; they trusted God’s promise to part the waters, knowing His presence led the way. 

God’s word is sure. He promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), and “I will go before you and level the exalted places” (Isaiah 45:2). Your Jordans don’t intimidate Him. Stop wavering—don’t let doubt or comfort keep you stuck. Trusting God means anchoring your heart to His promises, even when the waters rage. The Israelites’ 40 years of wandering ended when they believed God enough to prepare for action. Today, reject timidity. Name the promise God has spoken, whether through scripture or His Spirit, and hold fast. He’s already moving, ready to stop your Jordan before you see the waters part. Trust Him, and get ready to step out.

So, go on, believe God’s Word despite the raging waters around you or the giants that stand in your way.

Father, thank You for Your great promises. Thank You that not one fails. Thank You for always going ahead of me to clear the way and smooth the rough paths. Please, increase my faith that I might believe You for greater and mightier things. Help me always to remember that You lead the way and that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Exodus 2:11-15 NIV

[11] One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. [12] Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. [13] The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?” [14] The man said, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “What I did must have become known.” [15] When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well.

Moses now living in Pharaoh’s own house has never forgotten his own people. He even tries to save one of them but it backfires on him because the one he tried to save throws it back in his face and then Pharaoh finds out and tries to kill Moses. So what exactly did Moses do?

He saw an Egyptian beating one of the Hebrews and so he killed the Egyptian. The next day Moses saw two Hebrews fighting and when he questioned the one in the wrong, the man threw in his face what he had done to the Egyptian the previous day. So, fear entered Moses that what he done had become known. Then what happened? Sure enough Pharaoh finds out and tries to kill him. So Moses flees Egypt and goes to Midian.

Now, God comes to Moses in the burning bush and calls him, but Moses asks God the very same question the Hebrew slave asked him “who am I to do this?” It had been several years when Moses fled Egypt, yet that same question had caused doubt in him and stayed with him all those years.

Think about this. Moses was talking to God. God was speaking back to Moses and telling him that He was chosen by God, yet Moses is like “who am I to do these things?” This still happens to us today.

The enemy will use a simple phrase from our past in order to keep us from our future. Moses missed out on the priesthood coming through his line. He missed out on performing the miracles before Pharaoh in Egypt. Moses even missed out on a healing touch for his tongue, all because one man who was in the wrong lashed out on him when he was being corrected.

Never let the enemy use someone else to keep you from your call. God has called each and every one of us to a specific job. The enemy knows this, so he plants seeds of doubt, fear, anger, bitterness, etc. in our minds years in advance in order to control us. In order to keep us from our call. In order so that when God finally calls us, we’ll have so much doubt, we won’t be able to trust God.

So, what do we do? We don’t go in our own strength but in the strength of the LORD. When God calls you, He doesn’t send you on your own. He sends you in His Spirit. He sends you in His strength. Matter-a-fact He Himself goes before you. So what do you have to lose?

Fear LORD, I’m sorry for every time you have called me and I have given up. I’m sorry for every time I have slowed someone else’s words and opinions, dictate my life. Please forgive me and give me the strength to overcome. Please give me another opportunity to do Your work and fulfill the call You have on my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Genesis 22:15-18^NIV

[15] The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time [16] and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, [17] I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, [18] and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

Today marks the beginning of the first day of the month leading up to Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Easter, much like Christmas, is often attacked and slandered by non-believers (and even believers) who say that their origins are stolen from popular Pagan feasts, festivals, and gods/goddesses. When you actually begin to research these claims, there is no evidence for a single one of them. So, where did Easter actually come from? Well, it dates all the way back to a promise to a faithful father.

Abraham had waited 25 years for God to fulfill His promise of an heir. When Abraham turned 100 years old, God’s promise was fulfilled, and Isaac was born. Now, think about this for a second. This promise didn’t come without Abraham first obeying God and acting in faith by taking his son, Isaac, and sacrificing him on an altar to God. Abraham, in faith, took his son up the mountain to fulfill what God had commanded of him. Isaac, noticing everything needed for the sacrifice, but the sacrifice itself asked his father where the sacrifice was.

Genesis 22:6-8 NIV

[6] Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, [7] Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” [8] Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

Abraham didn’t go up the mountain believing his son would be left dead on the mountain. No. He knew the LORD is good and he put his faith in that good God He knew. And he said “God Himself will provide the lamb.” It wasn’t until he went up that mountain, built the altar, and laid his own son on the altar that the LORD then stopped him and gave a ram in Isaac’s place. Once they sacrificed the offering, that had been provided by God Himself, then and only then did God give Abraham the promise of the Messiah.

Because Abraham did not hold back his son from God, God in turn did not hold back His Son from the world.

Galatians 3:16^NIV

[16] The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.

God always looks for just one person willing to obey in faith His commands. Today, we have Easter, not because we stole beliefs from Pagans, but because we celebrate a promise fulfilled. A promise of the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, who came to us from Heaven to die and rise again. That is why we celebrate Easter. We celebrate the fulfillment of the greatest promise, our freedom from sin and our return to our Creator.

Dear LORD, thank You for Your promise. Thank You that You are a God that is not slow in fulfilling Your promises, but wait until the fulfillment of time. Thank You for every promise You have given me. I ask for strengthening in my faith that I might live in obedience to Your promise. That I might not lose hope or begin to doubt, but that I might have faith to see Your promise fulfilled. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. 

Judges 6:36-40 NIV,

[36] Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised— [37] look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.” [38] And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. [39] Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.” [40] That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.

Gideon had received a direct message from the LORD, but his heart was unsure. So, instead of ignoring the LORD, he confirmed it with the LORD twice. He laid out a fleece twice in order to confirm the call the LORD had on his life. God wasn’t angry. He wasn’t impatient. Instead, God simply granted Gideon’s requests and comforted his heart.

God does not change. He if confirmed Gideon’s request and eased his doubt, He will do the same for you. When I’m not sure what to do, I may out two fleece before the LORD. I get very specific as Gideon was. And you know what? The LORD has never not answered. He has never led me in the wrong direction. He has never allowed me to go through something on my own. The LORD is faithful to us. He will never leave us, nor forsake us. He is our helper and our friend.

The LORD’s desire is for our faith to grow. He wants us to walk by faith, not by sight, because sometimes, our sight will destroy our faith. We’ll see giants in the land God promised us our we’ll see an army too strong and large for us to handle. We’ll see ourselves as the enemy wants us to see ourselves, not how God sees us. When you believe you heard from God, but doubt is filling your heart, list out two fleece before the LORD. Be specific in your request and, most importantly, don’t allow doubt to creep in whatsoever. Force yourself to trust that the LORD will hear you and answer you.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Lay Out Your Fleece.