by: Leslie D. Register
The Seed: Growing in Grace
I once heard it explained that the mustard seed is both tiny and mighty. We often hear, “All you need is faith the size of a mustard seed,” as if the power lies in how little faith we have to begin with. But the truth is deeper: that small seed contains the potential for something vast, rooted, and unshakable.
When a mustard seed is planted, it sends roots deep and wide—stronger than nearly any other plant its size. That’s the kind of faith God desires for us: not shallow belief, but a deeply rooted trust that weathers storms, stands firm in trials, and grows through His Word, wisdom, and Spirit.
Jesus said in Matthew 17:20 (NIV),
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
My own faith didn’t begin this way. If you know me you know my story is messy yet real! There was a time when my life was tangled in sin—alcohol, lies, manipulation, gluttony, theft—you name it, I had a hand in it. I was broken and far from God. But out of that broken ground, God planted a seed of grace. Over time, it took root in four truths that continue to grow in me. I hope you find some nuggets of healing in these truths of Forgiveness, Redemption, Willingness, and Love for yourself.
- Forgiveness: The Soil of Grace
Forgiveness is where the seed is planted. Without forgiveness, no growth can begin. God’s forgiveness breaks the hard ground of guilt and shame, making room for new life.
Psalm 103:12 (NIV) says,
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
When I finally came to God in honesty about my sin, I expected wrath—but instead, I found mercy. God didn’t just forgive me; He invited me to forgive myself and others. Forgiveness is the soil where grace takes root.
Reflection:
Is there someone you need to forgive—maybe even yourself? Pray and release them into God’s hands. Forgiveness is the soil where freedom grows.
- Redemption: The Roots That Hold Firm
Forgiveness removes our past; redemption gives us a future. Through Christ’s sacrifice, my story was rewritten—not erased, but redeemed. What once was a testimony of failure became a testimony of freedom.
Ephesians 1:7 (NIV) reminds us,
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
Redemption is not about perfection—it’s about restoration. It’s about letting God use even our mistakes for His glory. Like the roots of the mustard tree, redemption anchors us, keeping us from being uprooted when life’s storms come.
Reflection:
How has God redeemed part of your story? Thank Him for the ways He has turned your brokenness into blessing
3.Willingness: The Water That Sustains Growth
Faith doesn’t grow without action. Willingness is the daily choice to say, “Yes, Lord.” It’s showing up even when we don’t feel ready, trusting that God will provide what we lack. It has been explained to me that God equips the called my only responsibility is to be ready and willing.
In Isaiah 1:19 (NIV) we read,
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.”
My willingness didn’t come overnight. At first, it was just a whisper—“God, help me want to change.” But each small “yes” to God was like water to the seed of faith. Over time, that willingness turned into surrender. And surrender led to growth.
Reflection:
What step of obedience is God asking you to take today? Pray for the courage to say “yes,” even if it’s just a whisper.
4. Love: The Fruit That Nourishes Others
All the growth in the world means nothing without love. Love is the evidence of a life transformed by grace. It’s the fruit of forgiveness, the fragrance of redemption, and the outflow of a willing heart.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV) declares,
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Love is the harvest that blesses others. As we love God and love people, the faith that once was small as a mustard seed becomes a living tree of grace—strong, generous, and life-giving.
Reflection:
Ask God to show you one person you can love in action today. It might be a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a simple act of kindness
The mustard seed of faith may start small, but when planted in forgiveness, rooted in redemption, watered by willingness, and blossoming in love, it becomes unshakable.
Grace is not earned; it’s received. And when that grace takes root, it changes everything.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God can grow something beautiful in you. Let His grace take root—and watch your faith become a tree that stands strong and blesses many