“Again he said, ‘What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.’” —Mark 4:30-32 NIV
On August 6th, I hiked Mount Olympus with the Salt City staff and interns. Tonight, I lost a toenail from that hike. Soon, I’ll lose my big toenail on the other foot too. Why? Because back on June 11th, I bought shoes a half-size too small and thought I could get away with it.
Turns out, I was wrong. That hike proved it.
And now, months later, I’m still paying the price for a decision I made months ago.
That got me thinking, our actions have lasting consequences. We often think of that in a negative sense, but the same principle applies positively too. The choices we make today can lead to growth, blessing, and impact months or years down the road.
The Mustard Seed Principle
Last night, I taught the youth group about the parable of the mustard seed—how something small can grow into something great if planted.
But here’s the thing, we actually have to plant it.
We all have things we hope for:
- One day I’ll have a deeper relationship with God.
- One day I’ll start that ministry or take that step of obedience.
- One day I’ll invest in relationships that matter.
- But one day never comes unless we start with day one.
Josh Branham, in his book “What Are You Waiting For? A Young Leaders Guide to Change the World” (Chapter 1), puts it this way:
“Instead of waiting for ‘one day,’ make today ‘day one.’”
Asking God for Your Day One
So what does this look like in prayer?
Rather than rushing into a prayer list, what if we stopped to listen?
Maybe you’ve been praying for the wrong things. Maybe God has something new, something deeper, something bigger than you expected.
Today, instead of just asking God for something, ask Him what He’s asking of you.
What is He calling you to start?
Where is He leading you to step out in faith?
What is He pressing on your heart that you’ve ignored?
The mustard seed is small, but it grows into something massive—only if it’s planted.
Action Step: Listen Before You Ask
Spend five minutes in silence today, asking God:
“Lord, what is my ‘Day One’? What do you want me to begin pursuing with You?”
Write down whatever comes to mind. Then, take a step.
Prayer:
Lord, I don’t want to wait for “one day.” I want to step into day one of what You are calling me to. Speak to me today—show me where You are leading. I don’t want to waste time waiting for the perfect moment. I want to listen, obey, and trust that what You plant in me will grow in Your timing. In Jesus’ name, Amen