A Seed of Faith

In 1973, my dad suffered a life-threatening heart attack. For years I had prayed with wavering hope for my dad to come to know Jesus, and when the heart attack happened, I had just moved over a thousand miles from home. After I heard the news, I was compelled to search for a church over my lunch hour where I could intervene on Dad’s behalf. 

I spotted a chapel and made my way to the front door, not really expecting it to be unlocked. But to my grateful surprise, it was open! That in itself began to stimulate my faith. As I knelt before the altar, I prayed, “Father, I believe you are telling me you want to save my dad, so I’m asking in faith that you spare his life until he finds you.” That was my only point of faith — believing God wanted my dad to be saved. So, I planted that seed.

My father recovered from the heart attack but it would be another 17 years before I saw my mustard seed faith come to fruition. At 65 years-old, Dad accepted Jesus, and experienced one of the most dramatic conversions I have ever witnessed. For his remaining 22 years, he exemplified a restored life. He prayed daily for everyone — from family members to friends old and new; he ministered regularly to the sick and dying; and he led countless people to salvation.

God’s power of restoration took a tiny seed of faith and transformed it into a mighty evergreen of God’s goodness and grace.

Thank You Lord that you are in the business of restoring lives. May we never stop planting seeds of faith on behalf of those in need of restoration. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Plant some seeds of faith by praying for loved ones who do not yet know Jesus. Talk to one of our confidential mentors today if you would like to invite them to join you in praying for these persons.