Watering Well

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” (Matthew 17:20 NLT)

There is someone who needs this weeks devotional because the Holy Spirit keeps bringing it to the forefront of my mind. In the above scripture,  Jesus is talking about how faith can change the circumstances in our lives. Look closely at the action that must take place before change can occur. He said, “you could say”.  We are instructed throughout the Bible that our tongue can bring forth life or death (Proverbs 18:21 and Proverbs 12:18). The Psalmist, in chapter 141, verse 3, asks the Lord to set watch over his mouth and guard the door of his lips. Clearly, there is power in what we say.

On Sunday, I was working outside cleaning up a flower bed. I walked over to check on the vegetables that I had planted in May. After a late start, my plants have struggled to grow, been nipped at by deer, and not had much chance for any pollination to occur.  I was so surprised to find two cucumbers were ready to be picked. I remember distinctly in my spirit hearing, “Watch how you water the seeds the Lord has given you to plant.” Quite plainly, the Holy Spirit was reminding me to monitor how I speak over the things that God has called me to minister or  intercede over. Guard my faith in the promises of God by ensuring that I am watering the seeds well by what I speak aloud. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God”  (Romans 10:17). If I am speaking against the word of God and against His promises, I am eroding my faith.

This is a message I personally could hear every week.  There are many times that in the midst of a situation, filled with frustration and impatience with God’s timing, I have spoken against a promise of God. My faith in that particular situation wavered, and my lack of faith became a barrier to God’s plans. So I say again, “Watch how you water the seeds the Lord has given you to plant.” Spend some time this next week thinking about how you are developing your faith. Are you watering well? During time with the Lord, ask Him to give you a Rhema word. If it is directly from Him, do not let it depart from your mouth.  Continue to say it aloud.  Let His word and promises be on your lips day and night. Watch your faith grow and watch the Lord at work in your faith. And nothing will be impossible. Amen.