Read: Matthew 17: 20; Mark 4: 1-9; John 4:13-14

Think:  I enjoy growing orchids and though this is challenging, I should admit that they actually do the growing themselves!  My role is to give them the environment they need to stay healthy, get stronger and bloom. When Pastor Kip talked about nurturing our faith - even though it may be the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20) - I thought of my plants and their needs.

To be productive their needs must be met, they require the right soil, water and light; so does our faith. We need to focus on what will strengthen our faith, not the doubts that surround it. Like in the parable from today’s reading, if we want to grow in good soil and flourish we need to be part of a group of people following God… our church, our growth group, the ministry team we serve with, our Christ-centered friendships.  When we have that we are supported by those who share our faith and grow with them. This helps keeps our soil healthy!  

To grow we also need clean, fresh, life-giving water… And as Jesus told the Samaritan woman, only He can provide us with water that will take away our thirst. Listen to what He says in John 4:

 "¹⁴But no one who drinks the water I give will ever be thirsty again. The water I give is like a flowing fountain that gives eternal life."

We can get to know Jesus more intimately and thoroughly as we spend time reading about Him in His Word – the Bible. We discover His heart and love for us, we learn about who He is and what He wants for us as we live out the life He’s given. We can add to the whole experience by sharing with God in prayer… We spend time talking with Him about where our hearts are, complete with our doubts and concerns. It is then that we are able to move further into his love, growing closer to Him, and living in His light.

Do: Think about how you can improve your environment to nurture your faith. Do you have faith-filled friends who you spend time with? Are you planning to lead or join a growth group this fall? Do you serve in a ministry at church? Do you connect with God each day by reading the Bible and praying? All of this is part of nurturing your faith, and especially in times of doubt.

Pray: Lord, thank you that we are not limited by the size of our faith or number of doubts. Help us to surround ourselves with those who can support us and help us grow closer to You. Please help us focus on the faith  we do have rather than any doubts we hold and show us your truth, I pray you’ll continue to provide all I need to grow into a faith-filled follower of You! Amen.

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.