From A Mustard Seed To A Mustard Tree

Dream Big: From Mustard Seed to Mustard Tree

Have you ever felt like your dreams or faith were too small? I recently listened to a sermon that challenged me to dream big—even when it looks like nothing is happening. It started with a familiar analogy: the mustard seed. At first, I almost clicked away because I’ve heard countless sermons about having faith the size of a mustard seed. I’ve even written about it before! But this message was different, and I’m so glad I kept listening.

A Mustard Seed Can Become a Tree

I’ve seen mustard seeds before—they’re tiny! The seeds I’ve seen produce mustard plants, which many people grow in their gardens. So, I never gave much thought to the “mustard seed” analogy. What’s the big deal about something that produces a small plant with pretty yellow flowers?

But did you know there’s such a thing as a mustard tree? It can grow up to 30 feet tall and is one of the fastest-growing trees. Suddenly, the mustard seed analogy makes so much more sense! Instead of a small garden plant, imagine faith that grows into a massive tree—offering shade, strength, and shelter for others. If you’re interested in reading about the mustard tree, here is an article that tells you several important facts.

The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like a Mustard Seed

Jesus Himself uses this analogy in Matthew 13, and it’s so powerful when you think about it:

Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV)
“He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’”

How many of us are living like mustard plants instead of mustard trees? Are we content with small, safe lives—the equivalent of pretty yellow flowers—when God has called us to be sources of strength, support, and growth for others?

Living a Wide-Open Life

This same idea is echoed in Paul’s words to the Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (MSG)
“Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!”

Doesn’t that hit home? The smallness we feel often comes from within us—our own fears, doubts, and “what ifs.” Like Paul, God calls us to live wide-open, spacious lives. That sounds exciting, but it can also feel scary and unpredictable. I know I’ve found myself clinging to comfortable boundaries, even when I long for something more.

God’s Big Plans for Us

While pondering all this, I came across a quote on Instagram that stopped me in my tracks. It said:
“The Lord didn’t want Sarah to only have a baby. He wanted her to dream big so that He could bless her with an entire nation.”

Think about that. Sarah’s dream was just to have a child, but God’s plan was so much bigger—an entire nation. Imagine what He could do with your mustard seed of faith. What if He’s calling you to dream bigger? To take that seed, plant it, and grow it into a tree?

Faith That Moves Mountains

Jesus reassures us of what even the tiniest faith can accomplish:

Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. 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.”

Our job is to plant the seed, nurture it, and trust God with the results. He’s the one who grows our faith into something bigger than we could ever imagine.

What’s Next?

So, here’s my challenge for us all:

• Plant that mustard seed.
• Dream big, even if it feels scary.
• Step into the wide-open, spacious life God has prepared for you.

You might not see immediate results, but trust that God is working. He is always faithful, and His plans for you are so much bigger than you could ever imagine.

To God Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!

Let’s End with a Prayer

Lord, thank You for the reminder that even the smallest seed of faith can grow into something incredible. Help us to dream big and trust in Your plans for our lives, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones and live the wide-open, spacious life You’ve called us to. Teach us to nurture our faith, rely on Your strength, and wait patiently for the amazing things You have in store. In Jesus’ name, Amen.