He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. Luke 17:6 NIV

Gardening is a life-long passion of mine. Nothing brings me joy quite like planting seeds and watching them grow. Jesus used gardening parables frequently as a way of relating to those in the agricultural community. Having a background in horticulture, I understand the size of a mustard seed. 

The Power of a Seed

The mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, the size of a grain of sand. Yet, when planted the tiny seed grows to be 10-12 feet in height. Furthermore, in maturity it more resembles a tree than a plant. Jesus talked about it being the perfect place for birds to perch and nest, so we know it is a strong plant. Imagine for a moment, the power in such a small seed-that it grows that large. 

Jesus likens it to the ability for a tiny amount of faith containing enough power to move mountains. The power to do the impossible. To overcome the odds stacked against us. The ability to remove obstacles, mountain-size obstacles. The power is not found within ourselves, but in the God in whom we believe and put our faith. 

Little Seed, Big God

Jesus teaches that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.We often think faith must be large, strong, or unwavering for God to act. Jesus says the opposite. Faith does not need to be impressive—it needs to be genuine.

A mustard seed is tiny and easily overlooked, yet it carries life within it. In the same way, even small faith, when placed in God, carries great power. The power is not in the faith itself, but in the God to whom that faith is directed. “Moving mountains” is not about changing geography, but about overcoming obstacles that feel impossible—fear, sin, hopelessness, or circumstances beyond human control.

Jesus reassures us that we do not need perfect faith to begin. We simply need to trust God enough to take the first step. When faith is real, God supplies the growth—and what starts small can lead to extraordinary transformation.

Faith That Moves Mountains

Many times over the years, I’ve referred back to Luke 17:6 and prayed with faith the size of a mustard seed. The results have been miraculous. Faith moved mountains. Most recently, I suffered a massive heart attack. On the way to the hospital my husband and I prayed there would be no long-term damage to the heart. After running tests, the cardiology team was astounded to discover virtually zero heart muscle damage! 

Many times, I’ve had bills to pay and prayed “Lord, you are Jehovah Jireh and I know you will provide the money to pay these unexpected bills.” Indeed, extra contracts have been offered or a bonus given that was the exact amount of an overdue bill. 

A Growing Seed

I planted a seed of faith a few months ago, only the size of a mustard seed, believing God for the impact of my writing and speaking to reach millions around the word. Right now, the ‘mustard plant’ is small, but it is growing. There’s obstacles but I keep praying and mountains are removed. In and of myself, I can do nothing, but my faith in God makes all things possible. My health is being restored. Connections are being made. Opportunities to speak and teach are being offered. My reach is expanding. Given His previous responses, I have no reason to doubt the reach (mustard plant) will continue growing. 

Is there an area of your life that you need to plant a small seed of faith, that God might water the seed and cause it to grow into faith that can move mountains?