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.
Love this message. Thank you Tania. ❤️
Hello Tania!
That was an awesome message this morning…. I am going to dream big from now on. Fear always gets in the way of dreaming big.. but there’s nothing to fear. God is always on your side and once the best for us thanks again. I really enjoyed that message and I needed to hear it.
I love this Tania! Thank you!
This is exactly what I needed to hear at this time in my life, thank you!
Beautiful message, just beautiful.
What a beautiful message. Thank you so much. Love your Sunday messages.
Another wonderful Sunday post!! You give us all so much to think about. Thank you!!
Thanks again for your inspiring post. Yes, dreaming big can be a challenge at times, but it is what we need for inspiration. Blessings
Wonderful message! Have a very blessed week!
thank you for sharing
Thank You for your message today. My family’s life is at a low right now. Please pray for us.
I hope and pray that things turn around for you and your family.
Thank you for today’s devotional!
What a great reminder of God’s faithfulness to us. All we need is the faith the size of a mustard seed and it can grow into the size of a tree! Spreading God’s word to all who will hear.
Thank you for this! Happy Sunday 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
As a Christian , also I really appreciate your blog today about the mustard seed It blessed me.Thank you and God bless you Beverly
Very encouraging post. Thought provoking, too. Thank you for sharing your faith with us gurls!
Thank you!!! It is by no coincidence that you wrote this for today. It is exactly what I needed to hear! Don’t you love how God knows when we need to hear something to encourage and reassure us. To God be the glory!
Very interesting
I am so glad I read this…too. Thank you!
What an encouraging message! I enjoy reading all of your posts, but your Sunday messages are always my favorite. Thank you for sharing ❤️Jesus.
This is the third time I have heard about the mustard seed in the last week. It promoted me to dig through an old jewelry box and find a mustard seed necklace I was given as a child. I also came across several pieces that were my Grandmother’s and Mother’s (who just passed in Sept). I feel like I came across a whole new treasure trove that I had forgotten about. I Thank you!
How fun! I know you had a great time going through all those treasures.
Tania I grew up in the Napa Valley in Northern California. Napa is best known as wine country. In January through March, the hills are covered with wild mustard plants we even have mustard celebrations. Never in my life had I ever seen a mustard tree. I’ve read that scripture many times and it wasn’t until fairly recently that I started researching the mustard tree. I too want that mustard tree faith!
Love your Sunday posts!
I had never heard of a Mustard Tree, so I was blown away at that discovery.
Tania I feel like this is what you have done with your blog! You started small a long time ago, you have persevered, never gave up and continue to bless more and more people each day with your outreach. The Sunday post have became a favorite as you have stepped into this wide open field encouraging so many! We love you!
Thanks, Rhoda. 🥰 I appreciate that you feel that way.
Thank you for your Sunday posts. I look forward to them each week. Enjoy your daily posts also with stories of your family!
Good post! Trust God with your dreams. His ways are higher than our ways!
I appreciate your Christian influence integrated within your fashion posts. You are beautiful and your style ideas have helped me so much!
Great words.
yes! I think of this “faith can move mountains” quote often. Dream big, pray for ginormous blessings!
Good reminder