Daily Devotional – Faith that Moves Mountains

Matthew 17

When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”

“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Mountain-Moving Faith

Imagine having the kind of faith that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 17:20. The disciples, despite their close proximity to Jesus and witnessing His miracles firsthand, struggled with their faith. Jesus used the example of a mustard seed to illustrate that even the smallest amount of genuine faith can move mountains. This metaphor transcends the physical terrain, delving deep into the heart’s many challenges. Such mountain-moving faith isn’t about the grand size but the authenticity and purity of our belief. The essence lies in our trust and surrender to God’s power, irrespective of how insurmountable the challenges seem.

Faith, in its truest sense, is believing in the unseen, the not-yet-experienced miracles that God can manifest in our lives. It’s about letting go of our fears and doubts, trusting that God is bigger than any obstacle we face. Jesus emphasized the importance of unwavering faith, urging us to believe beyond what our eyes can see. Often, life’s trials—whether spiritual, emotional, or physical—cloud our vision, diminishing our faith to a flicker. Yet, in those darkest moments, holding onto even the smallest faith can illuminate our path, reminding us of God’s omnipotence. As we navigate our daily lives, especially in moments of despair, let us remember Jesus’ words and strive to cultivate a faith that, though small, remains steadfast and unwavering.

Prayer for Faith

Dear Lord,

Today, I come before You, seeking strength and grace. My heart yearns for the kind of unshakable faith You spoke about in Your Word, the faith that moves mountains. In moments of doubt and uncertainty, help me to trust in Your power and promises. Remove any hindrance that blocks my belief and fill me with the pure, unadulterated faith of a mustard seed.

Guide me, Lord, to see beyond the challenges, focusing instead on Your unwavering love and might. When the weight of the world seems too heavy, let my heart be light with faith in You. Fortify my belief, making it resilient against the storms of life, and cultivate a spirit that rests in Your omnipotent hands.

As I walk through life’s valleys, remind me constantly of Your everlasting presence. Grant me the discernment to recognize and embrace the moments where faith proves stronger than any force. Help me to speak and act with confidence in Your name, knowing that through You, all things are possible.

Bless me with Your peace, and let it wash over me during times of turmoil. Mold my heart to trust deeply and wholly in Your divine plan. Let my faith be a testament to Your greatness, reflecting the miracles You perform every day. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of faith and the strength to cherish it.

I pray this in Your holy name,

AMEN.

Move a Small Object

Perhaps it sounds simple, perhaps it seems trivial, yet starting with small acts of faith can lead to monumental changes. Moving a small object, literally or metaphorically, can serve as a tangible reminder of our faith in action. It echoes Jesus’ teaching about the mustard seed—small beginnings can yield profound results. Think of the last time you faced a seemingly trivial yet significant task. Was it the decision to speak up in a group, a gesture of kindness to a stranger, or overcoming a minor fear? These small actions, fueled by faith, set the stage for more significant transformations.

Applying faith to move small objects sets a precedent in our minds and hearts. It reinforces the reality that faith, even in modest amounts, has the power to create ripples of impact. As we become more accustomed to harnessing our faith in seemingly insignificant matters, our confidence grows, preparing us to confront more daunting challenges. The initial success, no matter how small, serves as a proof of concept for our capability and God’s boundless power working through us. Let us begin with the small, knowing that these faithful acts lay the foundation for the mountains we will eventually move, grounded in Jesus’ promise.