Let’s talk about the power of faith, the kind of faith that moves mountains. According to Jesus a small amount of faith is all it takes to accomplish such a huge task and yet I have never seen anyone move a mountain. Or maybe I have. Have you?
Some of Jesus's disciples had tried to cast out a demon but found they couldn't. When Jesus rebuked the demon, it came out. His disciples asked why they had not been able to cast it out.
His answer? (Matthew 17:20-21)
So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Let’s break this down and consider what it means for us today.
Do you or I have the need to move a mountain? At this point in my life, I can’t say that I have ever needed to walk up to a mountain and ask it to step out of my way. That doesn’t mean I won’t have the need someday.
There may come a time when you or I are lost in the mountains and have that kind of need. How that scenario would play out would be between us as individuals and our God who sees everything. However, I do believe if Jesus says it, it is true. If I ever find myself in that situation, I would hope my belief and faith in Him would be enough to see that mountain give way to my need.
While Jesus might have been pointing at a physical mountain He was also addressing a question about casting out a demon. In this scenario we can see He is making a point about faith and not necessarily about mountains.
Yes, to answer the question up above, I have seen mountains moved. I have witnessed mountains moved for others and I have seen them move for me as well. Mountains come in many shapes and sizes. They can be a health problem, job loss, home foreclosure, financial devastation, and the list could go on and on.
Those personal mountains we all come up against might seem overwhelming to us, but Jesus says if we have faith and believe we can see them move. It might not happen in the way we want or even in the way we expect. And, it is not up to us to decide what mountains get moved or how they get moved. Sometimes things don't go as we planned, but He is always in control of His plan.
Paul performed many miracles in his life. In other words, he moved many mountains, but he still had a health issue that God would not heal. His response to Paul, “My grace is sufficient..”
Sometimes, we need to accept that God has other plans for us and surrender ourselves to His will. That is also a part of having faith and believing. It is trusting that His will is perfect and He wants what is best for us.
Let’s look at something that is often left out of this discussion. Jesus told His disciples that particular type of demon could only be cast out through prayer and fasting. It was not a small mountain. Many of the issues we face in life are not small and might require prayer and fasting, coming closer to God and diligently seeking His will.
God answers prayer. Sometimes the answers are not what we expect, and it is only through hindsight we can see His involvement. Trust in Him to keep His word. God does not lie. He does however, reserve the right to answer in His way and in His time.
Miracles are all around us. If He can create the Earth our feet stand upon, give us life, provide us with the beauty of nature, and maintain it all, He can move our mountains, whatever they might be.
Have faith, trust and believe. Who knows when you might witness a Red Sea crossing or a loaves and fish moment.
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Cherish the Journey.
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