If you have faith as small as a mustard seed... Matthew 17:20

Jesus spoke of faith in Matthew and likened it to seeds. In this passage, he spoke of the mustard seed..the tiny mustard seed. Seeds need to germinate before they can grow and produce. Faith is the same way. Our faith has to germinate and grow. As our faith grows, we are able withstand the trials and and challenges that eventually yield abundant fruit.

You may have heard the story of the old man seen planting a carob tree. Knowing it would take 70 years to bear fruit, an observer asked the man it if he thought he'd be around to enjoy its fruit. The man explained that his father and grandfather had planted trees for him to enjoy so he was planting for the children and grandchildren who would follow him. The same can be said of prayer. Each prayer is like a seed that gets planted and disappears for a season. Then it returns to produce fruit and bless future generations.

At Bonsack, we are standing on the shoulders of those who went before us. They sacrificed and gave to provide the facilities we worship in today. They dreamed and birthed the programs that have added many to God's family over the years. Our sanctuary and CLC may be larger and grander than they could ever have imagined yet, God is using them to reach Roanoke today and in the decades ahead. What prayers are you planting that will grow and produce fruit in the future? Are you praying for pastors, leaders, teachers, musicians and neighbors to reach our community? Are you praying for new congregations, new services and new programs to serve the mission field that's been entrusted to us?

If we have the patience of the planter, the foresight of the farmer and the mind-set of the sower -- God promises to give the increase.

To God be the Glory!