As we grow older it is so easy to give up. To think, “It’s too late for me to accomplish my dreams. I’m too old. I don’t have the time.”

I know. I hear it way too often because, well, I’m in that age group.

Yet look at this story Jesus tells that frankly promises no constraints.

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”*

What I love is that it’s not conditioned on the size of the seed. It’s conditioned only on the size of the potential life inside the seed.

Likewise the amount of success and blessing from God isn’t conditioned on the size of our faith. It is conditioned only by the unlimited power released by our minuscule seed of faith.

Then he draws a picture of life that blossoms into something amazing. A life beyond what we can even imagine.

A life of significance that touches others and brings the greatest fulfillment and blessings of all.

Now that’s surprising isn’t it?

*Matthew 13: 31-32 (NLT)

So why does our experience so often diverge from God’s promised amazing life?

In fact you might be thinking, “Wow, I’d just like to have one amazing day.”

I think sometimes it’s because we’re told, “You just need to have more faith.” Yet, I find when my faith is running low that’s really discouraging because, well, I don’t have enough faith.

That’s what I love about this promise from Jesus.

“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.”*

Wow, just a minuscule amount is enough. More like hope really.

Realize that the amount of your faith isn’t the deciding factor in experiencing the amazing life God has for you.

So stop being discouraged because you feel you just don’t have enough faith. Realize what you have is enough.

Then focus your faith on a promise from scripture which answers your needs and brings your desires. Yes, look it up. Memorize it if you like. Think about it. Focus on it.

Then believe what Jesus said, “Nothing will be impossible.”

Are you ready to experience all that God has promised?

*Matthew 17:20 (NLT)

I celebrated a birthday a few months ago. Well, actually more like ignored it. Now in my sixties I try to forget them.

Over the last few years I’ve had several friends die. Another just last week.

Which along with the grief I find is an irritating reminder that life is finite and goes by way too fast.

I’ve had a great life. Been truly blessed. Had some successes and more than a few failures.

Yet, frankly there’s so much more I’d still like to do but time is ripping by.

In the midst of that it’s easy to give up or give in. I hear friends make excuses, “Well, I’m too old.” Or “It’s too late.”

I also watch others bury themselves in activity never stopping to think about what life could be.

Yet, when we’re all alone with our thoughts the realization that life is slipping by sneaks in. And for some the regrets of what could have been but now will never be.

I truly believe God has a different plan, though. The best is yet to come. Life is meant to just get better and better.

What would happen if we expected that? What might we see?