When is the last time your faith was great enough to move mountains? In Matt. 17:20, Jesus was rebuking his disciples for their small and weak faith. Earlier on, in Matt. 10:1, Jesus had given his disciples the authority to cast out evil spirits. Now, he was chastising their inability to cast out evil from a demon-possessed boy. He went on to command the demon to leave, and then told his disciples that if it (their faith) were the size of even the smallest of the seeds, the mustard bush, they would be able to “move mountains”. Jesus was referring to the “moving of mountains” as a metaphor for a task, which could seem impossible. Of course, we know that “ with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26).
We also know from Heb. 11:6, that “without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone coming to Him must believe He exists, and He rewards those who come seeking”. Once we believe, the bible says that faith is given to us as a gift from God (Eph. 2:8). So, how can our faith be abundant enough to accomplish the impossible? Well, we must have a spiritual understanding of our own relationship with God. Paul tells us in Romans 12:3, that “God has assigned to each of us a measure of faith”. Since we are all unique in God’s eyes, He gave us spiritual gifts, which “vary depending on the grace poured out on each of us (Rom. 12:6)”. This same verse commands us to use whatever gift we’ve been given “according to the proportion of his faith”.
Consequently, as we use our gifts for the body of Christ, our faith will be strengthened. The very definition of faith comes to us from Heb. 11:1, “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”. Our faith will also mature as we go through each day trusting God and knowing He will take care of us. This is called living in faith. As we are obedient to His Word, and consistent in seeking His face, our faith will indeed be able to “move mountains”! Finally, here are 2 favorite hymns titles that are sure to remind and encourage us to remain strong in our faith: Have Faith In God, and Trust and Obey.
