Great Expectations

In Matthew 13:31-2 Jesus . . . "gave them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest garden plant and becomes a tree, so that the wild birds come and nest in its branches.'"

Two short verses. But what a contrast! Please notice the two pictures below. What a tiny seed! It is said to be the smallest seed the people in Jesus' day knew about. Planting such a small seed obviously would produce a very small plant, one would think. But no, the mustard "tree" grew to over six foot tall! (For the curiously scientific: the Black Mustard plant is not a tree, but can get over six foot tall. With birds making their nests in it, it is very "tree-like." Jesus was not trying to teach botany here, He was just making a point.)

God honors our willingness to work with what we have been given. He then gives us more, until our "mustard seed" becomes a "mustard tree." In recovery, we start out with very basic stuff. We admit we are powerless, that only God can set us free, and that we need to give it to Him, and let Him do so.

That is why we use the term "God as I understand Him." Our "mustard seed" understanding of God is very simple and basic. We don't need to come to Him after spending years learning theology and biblical interpretation. God isn't impressed by fancy "King James" type prayers. Some of the best prayers I have ever heard (or uttered) were basically, "HELP!" But, as I learn to give God areas of my life that need His cleansing touch, I grow stronger -- just like the mustard seed becomes that "tree." Eventually, I can truly say, "I am free! I have absolutely no desire to ever use again!" That freedom is worth the wait and work!