Faith grows like a seed

This time of year, I like to plant seeds in my house. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching small pots, seemingly filled with nothing but dirt, slowly come to life. At first, there’s no visible change. But then, tiny green shoots push through the soil, stretch toward the light, and grow into strong plants ready for the garden.

As I planted seeds last week and dreamed of eventually harvesting a tomato, pepper, or squash, I was reminded about faith and how it, too, begins small and requires the right conditions to flourish.

When we first come to faith, no matter our age, we are like newly planted seeds. We need nourishment—prayer, scripture, and the encouragement of others—to take root and grow. At first, our understanding of God may be simple, much like a seedling’s first leaves. We see His presence in the beauty of nature: in the warmth of the sun, the glow of the stars, and the rhythm of the seasons.

Psalm 8 captures this early wonder:
"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?"

But faith, like a plant, is meant to grow. And just as a plant needs rich soil and careful tending, we need a nurturing community to support us in faith. The love and prayers of others help us stand strong, especially when the storms of life come.

Psalm 29 reminds us that God is present in both beauty and power:
"The voice of the LORD is powerful;
The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.
The voice of the LORD shakes the desert."

Life brings its share of storms—unexpected hardships, disappointments, moments of uncertainty. But just as storms bring the rain that strengthens plants, trials strengthen our faith. We learn to rely on God not only in peaceful moments but also when the winds rage around us. And in those moments, the presence of a loving faith community can make all the difference.

Yet, the same God who commands the storm also speaks peace. After the thunder, He calms the skies. After the struggle, He gives us rest.

Spring reminds us of this truth. We see God’s handiwork in the tulips and budding trees, but we also find Him in the spring storms. The same God who formed the universe walks beside us, guiding us through every season.

So in this time of new growth, may we open our hearts to God’s presence. May we stand in awe of His power yet rest in His peace. The God of the storm is also the God of stillness, calling us to trust, to hope, and to grow together in the fullness of His love.