3 True Ways Your Faith Can Move Mountains

3 True Ways Your Faith Can Move Mountains

Have you heard the phrase “faith that moves mountains”? 

This beloved phrase comes from Matthew 17:20: “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.”

Jesus utters this shocking pronouncement to his disciples. This brings up questions for us. Does this mean that if we have enough faith, we can do anything we want? If we believe hard enough, can we accomplish miraculous feats?

Some motivational speakers might say this is the case. Just believe hard enough, and you’ll get what you want. However, read in the context of the passage, and of the Bible as a whole, we begin to see that using faith like some sort of magical power is not  what Jesus is advocating. 

Faith is not a mustering of will or a power to wield. Faith comes from trusting in God and His  will.

What Jesus is advocating is something far more radical.

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What Does It Mean That “Your Faith Can Move Mountains”?

Man raising fist in celebration on a mountaintop

We must go back to the context of this verse to truly understand what Jesus is saying.

In Matthew 17 , Jesus has just come down from the mountain where He was Transfigured before Peter, James, and John. The following occurs in Matthew 17:14-20 :

“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.’”

Here, Jesus could potentially be talking about real mountains. The Lord does have that power. However, in context, the problem being addressed is that the disciples could not drive out the demon because they had too little faith.

Jesus constantly used metaphors and parables in His teachings. Here, the “mountain” Jesus is metaphorically alluding to is the demon-possessed boy. Jesus is making a point that even the tiniest bit of faith — the size of a mustard seed, the smallest seed the disciples would have been familiar with — can accomplish great things. The point here seems to be the vast difference between the size of a mustard seed and the size of a mountain. If the disciples had even the smallest bit of faith, it could do great — mountain-sized — things. 

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What Do We Have Faith In?

Man reading a book at his desk

This is another area of clarification. Do we have faith in our own abilities? 

No. We are told, “Lean not on your own understanding” ( Proverbs 3:5 ), and 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 reminds us, “Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”

Do we have faith in the favorable outcome? If we believe hard enough that a thing will happen, shall it cause that thing to do so? 

Though “believe it and you can achieve it” may sound like a good slogan, it is ultimately foolishness. God controls the outcome, not us. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

So what do we have faith in? Our faith is in God. 

Jeremiah 10:12-13 says, “But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.”

The Lord has the power to move mountains. Our faith is in Him  to do so. Nothing will be impossible for us ( Matthew 17:20 ) because “nothing will be impossible with God” ( Luke 1:37 ). 

This leads us to some wonderful news. We don’t have to summon up enough faith to perform miracles. It isn’t about believing hard enough, trying hard enough. We only need faith the size of a mustard seed. It is our God  who performs mighty deeds.

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3 Ways Your Faith Can Move Mountains

Man helping a woman up a cliff

We serve an awesome God who is capable of great things. He can move all of our mountains. 

We may have faith in and claim His promises for our lives. Here are three ways our Lord moves mountains when we put our faith in Him.

1. Have faith that the Lord will move mountains that are obstacles to your faith.

Sometimes one of the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles is that of clinging fast to God. 

Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

When we feel that we can no longer keep the faith, we may turn our eyes to God. When we don’t understand something about the Bible or God, the Lord will lead us toward Him. If we have faith that God will pull us through, He is faithful to lead us through this life and all of its snares into a full relationship with Him.

We may ask the Lord to help us overcome the obstacles in our hearts that separate us from Him. 

2. Have faith that the Lord can move mountains that are obstacles in your life.

Clearly faithful believers are not promised easy lives. (The book of Hebrews puts this idea to rest quite solidly.) We will  suffer. Our very world is broken. “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time,” Paul says in Romans 8:22 .

Jesus says in John 16:33 , “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus promises that we will have trouble. However, He has overcome  the world. Nothing in it holds power over Him or can thwart His will.

When we pray in accordance with God’s will, we may have faith that, no matter the odds, the will of God will  be accomplished. When we pray, “If it is your will, may it be done,” we know His will shall indeed be done. 

No sickness, no obstacle, no poverty, no broken relationship, no cycle of sin, nothing is too big for God to overcome. 

Paul says it far better. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” ( Romans 8:38-39 ).

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3. Have faith that the Lord can move the mountain of forgiveness.

adult son hugging dad fathers day forgiveness

This one is twofold. 

First, our sin may seem insurmountable. We may believe that we are beyond saving, beyond forgiveness . If you truly knew what I’ve done , we think, you would understand. You would see that I am beyond rescue.

But if we have the tiniest bit of faith — faith the size of a mustard seed — and we put that faith in Jesus, our sins are wiped out forever.

Psalm 103:10-12 tells us, “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

Second, we may find it impossible to forgive others. Humans do truly atrocious things to each other — things that do not deserve forgiveness. However, Jesus is very serious about forgiveness. In Mark 6:14-15 , He says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Others may not deserve our forgiveness. However, neither do we deserve the Lord’s forgiveness. Yet, Jesus died a brutal death that we might be forgiven. He commands that we also forgive.

By human logic, this is nonsensical, even impossible. But by faith, forgiveness is possible. Through prayer, through faith, we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us.

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How Can We Continue to Grow Our Faith?

woman holding growing plant

As we’ve discussed, moving mountains is not accomplished by mustering up enough faith . It is done by trusting God to move the mountains by His  power.

However, it should be our desire to draw ever closer to Him, to grow deeper in faith.

Growing in faith is not about studying or intellect, though these can help. It is not about rigor or discipline, though these also have their place in our growth. Rather, growing in faith is growing in relationship . 

Our faith is a relationship with our infinite Creator. The scandal of the cosmos is that the all-powerful God would call humans His friends ( John 15:15 ) and children ( 1 John 3:1 ). As we spend time with Him, learn about Him, talk with Him, walk with Him, and follow His teaching, we will grow in relationship and grow in faith. For if we are God’s friends and children, will we not align with His will? And will not He, as the best of friends and fathers, delight to move the mountains that rise up against us?

Our Lord flattens mountains. He forgives sins. He makes a way. Perhaps none capture this so beautifully as Isaiah in Isaiah 40:1-4 :

"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.   A voice of one calling: 'In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.”

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essay on faith can move mountains

Faith That Moves Mountains (Mark 11:20-26)

Kenneth w. yates, i. introduction.

In Mark 11:23 Jesus makes an astounding promise to His disciples:

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”

Clearly, this statement raises a number of questions. What is the context of this statement? Is it to be taken literally? What does it mean? In the process of answering these questions another issue will surface. Does this promise support the idea that the Church has replaced Israel?

In this article I will attempt to answer these questions.

II. THE CONTEXT

The Lord’s statement about a faith that can move mountains is found in the broader passage of Mark 11:20-26. 1 In turn, these verses are contained in the larger context of 11:12-26. Verses 20-26 form the closing section of an inclusio .

Mark 11:12-14 contains the account of Jesus cursing a fig tree. He comes to the tree expecting to find fruit, but finds none. Verses 20-26 describe what happens the next day and also refer to the fig tree. The disciples see that the tree has been withered at its roots (vv 20-21). Verses 22-26 involve the Lord’s teachings about what the withered fig tree demonstrates to the disciples.

Sandwiched between the events at the fig tree, Mark tells the reader that Jesus cleansed the temple in Jerusalem. The day before, Jesus had come to the temple and looked around (v 11). Based upon the fact that the next day He cleansed the temple out and was not pleased with what He saw, we can safely assume that He did not find what He expected to find. This is supported by the fact that He denounces what He saw going on in the temple (v 17). Like the fig tree, He did not find any acceptable “fruit” in the temple.

The fig tree was destroyed by the word of the Lord. The actions of the Lord in the temple, occurring between the two events at the fig tree, showed that the temple was to be destroyed. In Mark 13:2, the Lord will specifically state that this is what is going to happen.

Piotrowski says that this reminds those familiar with the OT about the account in Jeremiah 7–8. Jesus quotes from Jer 7:11 when He cleans out the temple (Mark 11:17). In Jeremiah 8, God does not find any figs on fig trees and this is the reason for the imminent destruction of the temple described in Jeremiah 7 in Jeremiah’s day. Jesus’ not finding figs indicates that the temple of His day will be destroyed as well. 2

Stein agrees that the whole section of the accounts of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:12-26) indicates a coming judgment on the nation and temple. 3 These verses should be seen as a unit. Mershon agrees and says that the cursing of the fig tree and cleansing of the temple should be viewed together as a condemnation of Israel. 4 Grassmick says that these episodes help explain each other. 5

Viewing these accounts as a unit finds support in the idea that Mark has used this “sandwiching” technique before. In Mark 5:21-43 he tells of how the Lord meets a man with a very ill daughter (vv 21-24). The Lord eventually heals the girl, raising her from the dead (vv 35-43). In between, Mark relates how the Lord heals a woman with an issue of blood (vv 25-34). Mark intends that the reader sees these two healings as a package. Perhaps they teach that Christ can overcome defilement, or the woman teaches the man that Jesus can raise his daughter, even after he is told his daughter had died. 6

A. Different Contexts?

When studying the context of Mark 11:20-26, another issue is the question as to whether all these verses belong to this time in Jesus’ life. France says that the account of what happened to the fig tree (vv 20-21) is a symbol of the judgment that is about to fall upon Israel and the temple, but that the verses that follow (vv 22-25) were spoken of Jesus on a different occasion. 7 If this is the case, then the teachings in vv 22-25 were not used by the Lord in the context of judgment upon Israel and the temple. These teachings include a faith that can remove a mountain and the need for forgiveness when praying.

France and others maintain that vv 22-26 do not belong in the context of the cursing of the fig tree, in part, due to the abrupt shift in the subject matter. It is difficult to see a connection between judgment on Israel as illustrated in the fig tree, and the need for faith that can move mountains. The connection is even less clear when one speaks of the need to forgive others.

Stein is even more blunt than France. He says that vv 22-25 have nothing to do with the cursing of the fig tree. 8 The fig tree was not used by the Lord as a lesson about faith and forgiveness. Collins says that these teachings were part of the instructions of Jesus when He performed another miracle. 9 Cranfield also believes that vv 22-25 were not found in this context, but were part of a catechism of the early Church that the writer of Mark adds on here. 10

This view may strike some as reflecting a low view of the inspiration of the Scriptures. This article will argue that there is no need to conclude that Jesus did not say vv 22-26 at this point in His ministry.

B. Verse 26

Scholars seem to generally agree that v 26 supports the idea that vv 22-25 were not a part of the original context. Many contend that when Jesus says that if we do not forgive others we will not be forgiven, it comes from a scribal gloss (Matt 6:15) and is not a part of the original Gospel of Mark. 11 This suggests that the verses prior to this statement also came from elsewhere. After saying that v 26 is a scribal gloss from Matt 6:15, Stein points out that all of vv 22-25 is found in other Gospel accounts as well and could have been imported by Mark into this context (Matt 5:23 24; 6:9-15;7:7-8; 17:20; Luke 11:9-10; 17:6; John 14:13-14; 15:7;16:23-24). 12

By their rating given to v 26, Metzger and his committee are confident that the verse is not a part of the original. 13 They give its exclusion a rating of “A,” which reflects their highest level of confidence. Based upon their comments, however, their confidence seems firmly grounded in the preference for the Critical Text (hereafter CT). They place great weight on the fact that v 26 is not found in early witnesses, even though it is found in the majority of manuscripts. The committee also admits that v 26 could have been original and omitted by an early scribe due to homoeoteleuton. 14 This would explain its absence in these early manuscripts.

Even though many see an abrupt shift of focus between vv 20-21 and vv 22-26, it is not necessary to conclude that vv 22-26 were not a part of Jesus’ teachings at the withered fig tree. The fact that Jesus taught the same truths in other places does not negate this conclusion. The Lord could have certainly taught the same truths in different contexts. If it can be shown that these teachings fit in the context of judgment upon Israel, then we should find that Mark accurately reflects what the Lord said on this occasion.

The same thing can be said specifically about v 26. If one is not predisposed to the CT, he does not need to posit the theory that v 26 was added to Mark by a later copyist who had Matt 6:15 in mind. The Majority Text (hereafter MT) may be correct and v 26 was omitted by an early scribe. This would explain its absence in the CT. This is especially true if v 26 makes sense in the current context.

III. IS IT LITERAL?

Does the Lord call upon His disciples to move literal mountains and cast them into the sea? This is highly doubtful for a number of reasons.

There are no examples of the Lord’s people throwing a mountain in a sea. The withering of the fig tree is parallel to the casting of the mountain into the sea. France makes the helpful comment that they are parallel at least in the sense that both are destructive acts. 15 Since mountains usually have people living on them, the throwing of a mountain into the ocean would have severe consequences! If the cursing of the fig tree is an illustration of coming judgment on the nation of Israel, it is natural to conclude that the removal of a mountain is also to be understood as an illustration of something.

DeGraaf maintains that the illustration of the removal of a mountain was understood by the Jewish disciples as doing what seems to be impossible. The OT prophets used this illustration in this way (Zech 4:7). 16 The mountain represents an obstacle that cannot be removed by human means. We use the phrase in a similar way when we say that we thank God for the mountains and valleys He has brought us through. This statement is understood as meaning that God has brought us through difficult times. God did it when we couldn’t do it in our own strength. Both Stein and Grassmick agree that the verse is a hyperbolic illustration about doing what is humanly impossible. 17

Cranfield says the illustration can have a broad range of uses. He comments that the Jews used the phrase in reference to rabbis who were good interpreters of the Scriptures. If there was a particularly difficult passage to understand, the teacher who could determine its interpretation was called a “mountain remover.” 18 When others thought the meaning was impossible to obtain, this teacher did the impossible.

Related to the question of whether removing a mountain is understood in a literal sense is the identity of the mountain in this case. Jesus refers to “this” ( touto ) mountain. Did He have a particular mountain in mind?

If Jesus did have such a mountain in mind there are two options in the immediate context. He is coming from Bethany and the mount of Olives (Mark 11:11). He is headed towards the temple mount (v 27).

France holds that since the removal of the mountain is clearly an illustration, the demonstrative adjective “this” should not be understood as referring to either the temple mount or the mount of Olives. The whole phrase is simply a proverbial saying. He particularly rejects the idea that the specific mountain is the temple mount. But as mentioned above, France does not believe v 22-25 belong to this context. 19 If one rejects the idea that Jesus spoke about a faith that can move mountains when He cursed the fig tree and prefigured the destruction of the temple, it is easy to reject the idea that “this” mountain in Mark 11:23 has a connection with the temple mount.

It must be recognized, however, that Jesus was heading towards the mountain the temple was on and it was in sight. In addition, Jesus’ actions in the temple and towards the fig tree in Mark 11 deal with judgment on the temple. The Lord will soon predict its complete destruction (Mark 13:2). France mentions that the Gospels never call the temple mount a mountain. But he admits that Isa 2:2-3 can be understood to do so. 20 One could add Micah 4:1-3, which is parallel to Isa 2:2-3.

Jesus may very well have used the removal of a mountain as a proverbial, hyperbolic, statement. But this does not mean that He is not using the temple mount as an example of a humanly impossible obstacle. Evans takes this view as well. 21

It may be significant that when Jesus refers to the sea, He does not modify it with the adjective “this.” Stein says this is a general statement. The Dead Sea was visible from the mount of Olives, and the Mediterranean Sea was nearby to the west. The Lord did not have a particular sea in mind. 22 But the lack of specificity indicates that even if Jesus was dealing with the temple mount in some sense in this illustration, He was not talking about literally casting it into a literal sea.

To summarize, the Lord did not tell His disciples that if they believed they could cast a literal mountain into a sea. The statement is best taken to mean that faith can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. At the same time, one is probably justified in seeing that Jesus is dealing with a particular mountain in this passage. It takes center stage in the whole account of vv 12-26. He doesn’t literally throw it into the Dead Sea, but the temple mount presents an obstacle for the Lord.

With this background, it is possible to discuss the meaning of the passage.

IV. THE MEANING OF MARK 11:23

A. the broader context.

Mark 11 falls within the last week of Jesus’ life. He has come to Jerusalem to offer Himself as the King (Mark 11:1-11). However, the nation will reject and crucify Him. The religious leaders will lead the way in this endeavor. Even in the extended passage under discussion, after Jesus cleanses the temple, the religious leaders are said to seek how they might destroy Him.

Prior to arriving in Jerusalem, Jesus has told His disciples that these things were going to happen to Him. He tells them the religious leaders will kill Him (8:31). Then, He says that He will be delivered over to men who will kill Him (9:31). On the third occasion, He describes His upcoming death in a way that indicates He will be crucified by the Romans (10:33-34).

In each of these predictions of His death, the disciples do not understand what He is saying. It is clear that they think He is going to Jerusalem to be the King. They have proclaimed that He is the Christ (8:29). As they follow the Lord to Jerusalem, their biggest concern is over who will be the greatest (9:34). In fact, two of the inner circle want the highest positions of honor in the kingdom that they think will soon appear (10:37).

The reaction of the religious leaders is tragic in light of the way the Gospel of Mark began. John the Baptist had come before the Lord, preparing the way for His entrance to the nation. He had preached a message of repentance and the need for forgiveness (Mark 1:1-4). Implied in the need for forgiveness is that judgment will follow if the nation did not obey that message.

Jesus preached the same message to the nation (Mark 1:15). He told them they needed to repent and believe the good news about the kingdom. If that nation had turned from their sins and believed that the kingdom was at hand in the Person of Jesus Christ, that generation of Jews would have seen the coming of the kingdom.

People today are saved by faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life. The message of the good news in Mark 1 was different. It was the good news about the kingdom of God for the nation of Israel. That generation of Jews had the requirement of turning from sins before the kingdom would have come at that time for the nation as a whole. Both John and Jesus proclaimed the necessity for that nation to bear the fruit of repentance (Matt 3:8). They were looking for a nation pursuing righteousness.

When Jesus comes into Jerusalem in Mark 11, He does not find that fruit. The temple had turned into a den of thieves (Mark 11:17). The nation, through its leaders, had decided to reject the King and His offer of the kingdom.

This explains the need to clean out the temple. It also explains the cursing of the fig tree. Because Israel, as pictured by the fig tree, had not born the expected fruit, judgment was coming upon it.

It is not an accident that immediately after the incident of the fig tree, the Lord is opposed by the religious leaders. They want to know by whose authority He had cleaned out the temple (11:28). Basically, the Lord tells them His authority came from the same place John the Baptist got his. Both John and the Lord preached the same message. Part of that message was that if the nation did not repent and believe, judgment would fall.

B. Jesus’ “Mountain”

Jesus found Himself in a difficult situation. The temple was the place by which God called His name. The prophets had said that the kingdom was coming to the nation of Israel. But God’s people had rejected His messenger John, His message, and the Lord Himself.

This was not the way the Jews understood what would happen when the Messiah came to the nation. Certainly the disciples did not understand how the nation could reject their King (Mark 8:32; 9:32).

But Jesus does what seems to be humanly impossible. He pronounces a judgment on the very temple of God. The temple was the pride of the nation. Who could pronounce that the day would soon come when not a single stone of those magnificent buildings would lie one upon another (13:2)? Christ postpones the coming kingdom of God for the nation of Israel. He puts off the very plan of God for His chosen people. If we see “this” mountain as a reference to the temple mount, we could say that Jesus has figuratively removed a mountain by pronouncing judgment upon the nation and her temple.

The withered fig tree is a picture of it. The illustration itself is a picture of the humanly impossible. A person cannot cause a live tree to wither at the roots simply by his word.

Marcus points out that Mark wants to make a connection between the complete destruction of the temple in 13:2 and the fig tree withered at its root in 11:21. In both cases a disciple tells the Lord to “look” ( ide ) at something amazing. 23 The first is the withered fig tree. The second is the beautiful buildings of the temple (13:1). The Lord pronounces judgment on both.

When Peter points out the withered tree to the Lord (v 21), Jesus immediately tells the disciples to have faith in God (v 22). Lane is one who questions if the teachings of vv 22-25 originally belong to this context because of the supposed difference in subject matter with v 21. However, he admits that there may indeed be a connection. Jesus received His authority and power to pronounce judgment upon Israel from God the Father. 24 That is what He will say to the religious leaders immediately after this account (11:27–12:12).

Jesus, in the midst of difficulties and rejection, believed in God and relied upon Him. As such, He could do what was seemingly impossible. He will now tell the disciples they should follow that example.

C. Believe in God (vv 22-24)

As Jesus’ ministry was characterized by reliance upon God, the disciples should do the same. While some do not see the connection between this exhortation and the cursing and the withering of the fig tree, there is indeed a clear one.

Jesus did what was seemingly impossible in a difficult situation. The disciples would face difficult situations as well. But there is another connection.

With the rejection of the Lord by the nation the disciples would experience trying times. Mark is a book about the cost of discipleship. Discipleship is not the same thing as believing in Jesus for eternal life. As they followed the Lord, the disciples would learn the cost of following the King who was rejected by His people. Jesus had spoken to them of this earlier (Mark 8:34-38).

As disciples, and by taking up their crosses in following the Lord, they will find themselves in situations that seem humanly impossible to endure. Of particular importance here is the original audience. Most scholars agree that Mark was written to Christians living in Rome. There is evidence of this from early Christian writers. These Christians were encountering persecution. 25 How appropriate that Mark would include in the life of the Lord an event that taught the disciples that God is completely reliable in the midst of extreme difficulties and opposition. Finding Himself in that seemingly hopeless situation, the Lord could speak of the temple mount being destroyed. He could cause a tree to wither at the roots as an illustration of what would happen.

The Lord instructs His disciples to be people of prayer (v 24). In prayer, Jesus tells them, they have the source to find the very power of God. 26 Jesus just did a miraculous thing (v 21). They can as well as they rely on God and believe He will do what they ask. 27 God can deal with any difficulty. 28 This would have been particularly comforting to the original readers as well.

It needs to be noted that the faith Jesus speaks of here (v 23) is the faith of a disciple. It is not a super kind of faith. When Jesus says to believe in the “heart,” He is not referring to a faith that is greater than a head faith. Believing with the mind and believing in the heart are the same thing (Luke 24:25, 45). They both mean that faith is something that happens internally and simply mean to accept that something is true. 29 Here, it means that God is able and will do what we ask.

The faith here, then, is not the faith that leads to eternal life. Instead, it is the faith needed when disciples, who are already believers and have eternal life, face hardships. The original disciples would face difficulties as they see the nation reject the One they proclaimed as the Christ. They would need faith when they saw that the coming of the kingdom was delayed. 30 We must bear in mind that at this time they had no concept of the Church. For them, they could not even think of a scenario where the nation rejected the King and the temple was destroyed.

It is evident as well that the Lord is speaking of praying for things according to the will of God (Matt 6:9–10; John 14:13–14; 15:7; 16:23–24). In the case of Jesus, it was God’s will that the nation be judged for their sins. The Mosaic Covenant required that the nation be cursed if it rejected God (Deut 27–28). Blessings would come upon the nation for obedience. Cursing would come upon it for disobedience. In Mark, Jesus had offered the nation the incredible blessing of the promised kingdom. It was now inevitable, according to the will of God, that the curse of judgment would fall upon them.

When disciples face difficulties and opposition they have the privilege of praying to God for His will to be done. The will of God is expressed in the Word of God. Even if such things seem impossible, especially when faced with opposition, God will accomplish His will. For example, God wants His people to bear fruit and glorify Him by living righteously. In times of persecution and difficulties, it may seem like this is impossible. But the believer should not “doubt” it (v 23). DeGraaf summarizes the sense of these verses:

The person praying can therefore believe that what he requests will happen because it is God’s will. He will neither doubt God’s ability to do what he requests, since God can do anything, nor will he doubt that God will grant his petition, since it is God’s will. He will not have a divided heart about this matter. 31

But the Lord says the believer needs more than faith in order to have his prayers answered. He also needs to be merciful. Specifically the believer must forgive those who sin against him.

D. The Necessity for Forgiveness (vv 25-26)

As mentioned above, some maintain that when Jesus introduces the idea of forgiveness at the end of this pericope Mark is importing His words from a different context. The idea of forgiveness seems foreign to the discussion about the destruction of the temple and the need for faith in God’s revealed will.

The most obvious connection is that answered prayer does not just depend upon faith in God. It also depends upon forgiving others. But faith and forgiveness are intimately connected. Part of the revealed will of God is that believers forgive one another. It takes faith to do that. Often times, when others wrong us we do not want to forgive. We must believe what God has revealed. We are to forgive.

There is also a connection to the larger context. Jesus is speaking of the difficult times disciples will face. In times of difficulties, it is common for believers to sin against others. In these times of stress it is even easier to harm, or sin against, others as we feel we need to do things in our own power.

The Lord speaks of the fact that if we want to be forgiven, we must forgive others. There is a positional forgiveness that the believer receives when he believes in Jesus Christ for eternal life (Col 2:13-14). This positional forgiveness makes fellowship with God possible.

Here in Mark 11:25-26, the Lord is not talking about positional forgiveness. He is speaking of fellowship forgiveness. 32 The believer in fellowship with the Lord will experience answered prayer. In 1 John 3:22, John says that when we do what God commands, and are therefore in fellowship with Him (abide with Him), we receive what we ask of God. God commands us to forgive. If we want our prayers answered we must forgive. When we forgive others we receive a daily cleansing of sins which allows us to be in intimate communion with God.

There may also be a connection here between forgiveness and the removal of a mountain. Forgiving others may seem impossible for us. But God has commanded us to do so. If we ask Him for the grace to do it, He will remove that “mountain.”

Once again, the reader of Mark needs to remember that it is a book about discipleship. Walking in Christ’s footsteps is difficult. Part of that walk is forgiving others. That can be a difficult thing to do. But the Lord is saying that those who do so by believing in what God has commanded will experience answered prayer.

After the disciples discover that the fig tree Jesus cursed has become withered at its roots, the disciples are amazed (vv 20-21). Jesus then tells them that they have the same power at their disposal.

The cursing of the fig tree was not just a miracle. It was an illustration of what was going to happen. God’s people and temple were to be judged. This judgment and what happened to the fig tree did not seem humanly possible.

As the disciples experienced difficulties because of that coming judgment, they should rely upon the power of God. In prayer they had that power available. They needed to believe that God could remove whatever “mountain” they encountered as they did the will of God. Part of that will was forgiving others. As they did, they would experience the power of God in answered prayer.

But there is an additional question that arises in light of the judgment that Jesus speaks of in this account. Does the judgment on Israel mean that God is finished with the Jewish nation and that the Church has permanently replaced the temple God judged?

V. HAS THE CHURCH REPLACED ISRAEL?

Some who believe that Mark has imported teachings from Christ in other contexts in vv 22-25 believe that there is still a connection with the judgment that is coming upon the nation. They see this connection in what is called replacement theology. The withered fig tree (vv 20-21) pictures judgment on the temple. This judgment means that the Church has replaced Israel. Mark uses the teachings of vv 22-25 to make this point.

France says that even though the “house of prayer” in Jerusalem is about to be destroyed, it will be replaced by the praying community of the Church. 33 Marcus similarly says that the connection between vv 20-21 and vv 22-25 is that prayer will stop at the temple, but prayer will continue to go on in the elect community of Christians. 34

Culpepper says that the “mountain” Jesus speaks of is the mount of Olives and that in Mark 11:23 He has in mind Zech 14:4. Zechariah says that in the last days Christ will split the mount of Olives. For Culpepper, the point is that in the destruction of the nation and the coming of the Church the eschatological day has come. He even connects Jesus’ discussion on forgiveness with the destruction of the temple. Even though the temple is destroyed, that cannot block one’s prayers. However, unforgiveness within the Church can. 35

Evans also says that Zech 14:4 is behind v 23. The temple is no longer the place of prayer. It might as well be cast into the sea. In these last days, God accomplishes His redemptive work in the Church. Those who have been redeemed and are forgiven express that new relationship in prayer. 36 Lane says that v 23 and its connection with Zech 14:4 means that we have entered the Messianic Age. 37

It is difficult, however, to understand how Zech 14:4 can be the reference behind v 23. Zechariah deals with the splitting of the mount of Olives, and not a judgment on the temple. More importantly, Zechariah 14 speaks of the coming of the Lord at the end of the Tribulation. It is not talking about the Church age.

Even though the Church is the temple of God in the Church age, this does not mean the Church has replaced Israel. One cannot deduce this from these verses. The Lord is telling the disciples that Israel did not bear the fruit that was expected. This is pictured in the fig tree.

But the disciples can. As they walk in obedience and forgive one another, they will not only experience answered prayer and a daily cleansing of sin, but they also will be in fellowship with God. Even in the midst of difficulties, including the destruction of the temple, they can produce fruit that pleases God.

VI. CONCLUSION

In the book that bears his name, James, the half-brother of the Lord, is addressing Christians who are going through difficult times. He tells them that in the midst of trials they should pray to God for the things they need. They are to be people of faith, not doubting that the Father will answer their prayers. This will include bearing spiritual fruit (Jas 1:2-6).

James also says that as they go through these difficulties they will need to be merciful (James 2:13). It is during times of difficulties that Christians are especially susceptible to treat others in an unloving manner (Jas 3:14; 4:1-2). Forgiving one another will be sorely needed.

In Mark 11:20-26, Jesus teaches His disciples the same truths. The Lord had offered Israel the kingdom when He came to them. In order for that kingdom to come the nation needed to produce fruit. It did not. They would even reject and kill the One who is the King. As a result judgment would fall.

This judgment would involve the severe discipline of God’s chosen people. It would involve the destruction of the temple of God. It would involve putting off the kingdom of God until a future generation of Jews receive it.

Only the power of God could accomplish such things. But Jesus pronounced that judgment. He was in control in the midst of the difficulties before Him. As an illustration of that judgment, He caused a non-fruit bearing tree to wither at its roots.

The disciples were instructed to learn from Christ’s example. The same power that Christ displayed was available to them. They were about to experience difficult times. In the midst of that, they should be people of prayer. In those prayers they should believe that God would do the things they asked as they followed His will.

They were to be people of faith as the kingdom was delayed in its coming. As they went through these difficulties they were to forgive each other. This is an example of what it means to believe God. He would give them the ability to do so. Such obedience would result in fellowship with Christ as He forgave them of their sins on a daily basis. In fellowship with Him, they would do what Israel did not do. They would produce fruit that was pleasing to God.

In fact, there was nothing that God would not do for them. He would remove any “mountain” in their path. This was true even though they were facing things that at that time they had no idea were coming.

____________________

1 As will be discussed below, the majority of scholars believe the passage ends at v 25 and that v 26 is a scribal gloss. However, the majority of manuscripts contain v 26. This article will argue that v 26 certainly makes sense in the meaning of the passage as well.

2 N. G. Piotrowski, “‘Whatever You Ask’ for the Missionary Purposes of the Eschatological temple: Quotation and Typology in Mark 11–12,” Southern Baptist Journal of Theology , 21, (2017): 102-103. Piotrowski’s points are well taken. However, it must be pointed out that Piotrowski says that God looks for figs on the fig trees in Jeremiah. That is not the case. Instead, God takes away the figs from the trees as a judgment on the nation (Jer 8:13). If we are to find parallels with Mark 11, perhaps we should say that Jesus takes away the figs from the tree when He says that no one will ever eat from it again.

3 Robert H. Stein, Mark , Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008), 521.

4 Barry Mershon, Jr., “Mark,” in The Grace New Testament Commentary , vol 1 (Denton, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 2010), 189.

5 John D. Grassmick, “Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary , New Testament Edition (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983), 157.

6 The connection between the accounts is also seen in the fact that the girl is 12 years old and the woman has had an issue of blood for 12 years. In addition, both are healed by Jesus touching them in their uncleanness. To touch a woman with an issue of blood made one unclean. To touch a dead person did as well.

7 R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002), 447-48.

8 Stein, Mark , 519.

9 Adela Yarbro Collins, Mark, Hermeneia (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2007), 532.

10 C. E. B. Cranfield, Mark , Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary (London, ENG: Cambridge University Press, 1966), 360.

11 Stein, Mark , 522; Cranfield, Mark , 362; Collins, Mark , 532; Craig A. Evans, Mark 8:27–16:20 , Word Biblical Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2001), 194; William L. Lane, The Gospel According to Mark (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1974), 409.

12 Stein, Mark , 520.

13 Bruce Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament (New York: United Bible Societies, 1971), 110.

14 Homoeoteleuton comes from the Greek and means “same endings.” When scribes copied a manuscript they sometimes omitted words because of the same endings of words in the next successive lines. The scribe thought he had already copied a verse because it was similar to the next one in many respects. In the case of v 26 the similarities between the words of v 25 and v 26 are very apparent, both in Greek and English.

15 France, Mark , 448.

16 David DeGraaf, “Some Doubts about Doubt: The New Testament Use of Diakrino” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society , 48:8 (December 2005): 744-49.

17 Stein, Mark , 522; Grassmick, “Mark,” 158.

18 Cranfield, Mark , 361.

19 France, Mark , 449.

21 Evans, Mark , 188.

22 Stein, Mark , 520.

23 Joel Marcus, Mark 8–16 , The Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2009), 793.

24 Lane, Mark , 409.

25 Grassmick, “Mark,” 99; Mershon, “Mark,” 140.

26 France, Mark , 447; Grassmick, “Mark,” 158.

27 Collins, Mark , 534.

28 Lane, Mark , 410.

29 Robert N. Wilkin, Confident in Christ: Living by Faith Really Works (Irving, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 2015), 249-50.

30 Mershon, “Mark,” 190.

31 DeGraaf, “Some Doubts,” 749.

32 While all believers have received positional forgiveness, only those who confess their sins and who forgive others when sinned against receive fellowship forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

33 France, Mark , 448.

34 Marcus, Mark , 794-95.

35 R. Alan Culpepper, Mark , Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary (Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys, 2007), 382.

36 Evans, Mark , 195.

37 Lane, Mark , 411.

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by Kenneth Yates

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Can faith really move mountains?

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The Biblical Foundation

Faith to Move Mountains: What does it mean & How to Have it

By Author Jeran Ferguson

Categories Righteous Living

Can faith move mountains?

Of course, faith can move mountains! Jesus said in multiple places throughout the New Testament that if we have faith in God, without any doubt, we can speak to a mountain (or anything) “move” and it will have to move.

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11:23)

Although I do believe that Jesus was being literal when He mentioned faith being able to move a mountain, I also believe that Jesus was personally trying to find something that would completely shock His disciples so He chose something that was on the extreme side, such as a mountain.

The mountain illustrates everything that is in the way of God’s will. So sickness, disease, death, evil spirits, storms, etc.

Everything that does not produce life and truth within people is to be spoken against and commanded in the name of Jesus Christ to leave.

In short, faith in the name of Jesus Christ can assuredly move mountains. It can heal the sick, it can raise the dead, it can free people from demons, and it can calm any storm. No mountain can stand against a believer who is filled with the Spirit of God and who has faith in the name of Jesus.

What does it mean to have faith that moves mountains?

To have faith that moves mountains means that you have faith in God to such a degree that unbelief is not present when you speak the name of Jesus over a situation.

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done , he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11:23)

Jesus revealed in this passage what it means to have faith that moves mountains.

He said that the person who has this faith speaks to the mountain (or the problem) and tells it to move. And when this person speaks it is not some vain thing, but they are believing that what they say will come to pass. In fact, they are believing so much that there is zero doubt in their heart.

[Related articles: How to Act on Your Faith (Step-by-Step) , The Prayer of Faith: What it is & How to do it , and How to Activate Your Faith (Step by Step) ].

Essentially, we can break this down to the person who has faith to move mountains as someone who speaks and believes that what they say will come to pass as long as it is according to God’s will (which is no hard to know by the way).

How to have faith that moves mountains

To have faith that moves mountains you have to (1) receive and understand the word of God, (2) spend much time in prayer, and (3) cast off the cares of this world and seek God’s Kingdom first.

I cover each one of these steps in extreme detail in multiple other articles, you can find them here:   What a Mustard Seed of Faith Means (And How to Have it) and How to Get/Receive Faith (Explained) .

But right now let’s give an overview of each one of these steps so that you are well-equipped to have mountain-moving faith.

Receive and understand the word of God.

The first step is to receive the word of God, for “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17) so if we don’t ever read the Bible on a consistent basis we’ll never receive the ability to have faith.

Also, Jesus referred to God’s word as a seed that must be planted in our hearts and He mentioned that we do this through understanding what we are reading/hearing (Matthew 13:19). If we don’t do this then the wicked one comes and takes away what we read.

So we can’t just read the word consistently but we also must understand it. [Related article: How to Get/Receive Faith (Explained) ].

Spend much time in Prayer

The next step is to spend much time in prayer.

Now many of you may have been expecting this step to be in here, but I’d bet that you are not sure as to why. In other words, you suspect prayer has something to do with building a faith that can move mountains but you’re not exactly sure how it does this.

Well, in the same passage where Jesus referred to the word of God as a seed, He also said that the word of God must take root in our hearts for it to bear fruit. (Matthew 13:20-21)

If this doesn’t take place then the word gets scorched from our lives when we run into trials, such as persecutions and temptations because we have no root in ourselves, therefore we will stumble.

This is important to note because Jesus said that if this happens the word will not bear fruit in our lives, which means that our faith will not grow.

Because remember; the word is an “incorruptible seed” (1 Peter 1:23) and “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17) . So when we hear the word and understand it, we are planting the seed of faith (a.k.a the word of God) into our heart, but if we don’t allow it to grow then no faith grows.

So what does this have to do with prayer?

Everything! Because prayer is the way we deepen the soil in our hearts so that the word of God can begin to take root in us.

How do I know this?

Because right before Jesus was going to be taken to get crucified, He spent the night praying for many hours and He also told His disciples to do the same, but when He left them and then came back He found them sleeping.

“Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?  Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation . The spirit indeed  is  willing, but the flesh  is  weak.” (Matthew 26:40-41)

Jesus revealed in this passage that the secret to overcoming temptation and trials is prayer. He says, “pray or you’ll enter into temptation”. What He means by “enter into” is you’ll succumb to it.

These disciples were about to be tempted and tried. Death was about to knock on their door and they couldn’t handle it when it did. Every one of them fled from Jesus.

So if Jesus says in Matthew 13 that if we don’t “have root in ourselves” then we’ll fold under trials and persecutions, and then later says in Matthew 26 that to overcome trials, persecutions, and temptations we need to pray, the logical conclusion is that prayer is the key to allowing the word of God to take root in our hearts. (Related article:  7 Tips to Develop and Maintain a Consistent Prayer Life )

Cast off the cares of this world

The third step is to cast off the cares of this world and seek first the kingdom of God.

Another thing that hinders the word of God from growing faith in our lives is the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches.

Jesus said that if the word of God is sown among thorns, the thorns would choke the word and thus the word would become unfruitful.

The thorns in this passage referred to “the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things” (Mark 4:19) .

So what do we do to ensure that the “cares of this world” do not choke out the word of God.

In Matthew 6:19-34 , Jesus addressed the issue of having the cares of this world. I encourage you to go and read that whole passage when you have the time.

At the end of chapter 6, Jesus comes to a conclusion and He says, “For after all these things (clothing, money, shelter, etc.) the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But  seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ” (Matthew 6:32-33)

So the antidote to worry, care, and desire for other things is a lack of seeking His Kingdom first. And since this passage was in the context of prayer, fasting, and giving, I believe that these are the main ways we seek Him first in our lives.

I hope you enjoyed this article and that it helped you in your walk with God.

God bless you all!

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You Are Meant to Move Mountains

essay on faith can move mountains

Jon Bloom Twitter @Bloom_Jon

‘be perfect’, the wild glory of an ‘ordinary’ life, the strong legacy of a weak father, god beckons through beauty, when love takes you by the shoulders, the lost son who never left, ‘abraham, take your son’.

Staff writer, desiringGod.org

On the mountain, Jesus revealed his divine glory to Peter, James, and John. The four had just rejoined the rest of the disciples and the ever-present, clamoring, curious, constantly needy crowd when a desperate father threw himself before Jesus and pleaded,

“Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” (Matthew 17:15–16)

Jesus’s response must have caught everyone off-guard:

“O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” (Matthew 17:17)

Phew. Those are searing words. You can almost see the impotent, humbled disciples casting chastened glances at each other. The afflicted boy was brought to Jesus, whose omnipotent word soon dispatched both demon and disease.

The Holy Exasperation of a Grieving God

Who was Jesus calling faithless and twisted? These words were aimed at the disciples, the crowd, Israel, the world, and us. All of these are wrapped into the Greek word geneá (generation): a group, a nation, or an entire age.

In Jesus’s exclamation, we get a glimpse into the deep anguish and grief that he lived with during his sojourn on earth. This was no impatient outburst of a tired man. This was a careful, measured, if anything highly restrained and understated revelation of the exasperation the Holy One experiences bearing with evil people (Luke 11:13) who don’t really know how evil they are (John 2:24–25).

What must it have been like for Jesus to have created and uniquely loved each of these people who, because of their own perversity, did not know, believe, or receive him (John 1:3, 10–11)? Oh, many loved that he could heal, feed, and excite them with miracles. But, as their Creator, the one to whom they would ultimately give an account for their sin (John 5:22; Romans 14:12), he was despised and rejected by them (Isaiah 53:3). They were faithless and twisted, and Jesus, who was faithful and righteous (Revelation 3:14), was dwelling among them. It was harder for him to bear than any of them imagined.

Little Faith Results in Ministry Failure

And the disciples, at that moment, were counted among the faithless and twisted. So can we be. Our faithlessness is the worst part of our perversity (numerous English translations choose “perverse” in Matthew 17:17). More accurately, our lack of faith in God is the root of all our perversity.

But were the disciples really faithless? After all, they had tried to cast out the demon and disease. Wasn’t that faith? Perhaps. But whatever faith was present, while apparently well meaning, didn’t produce any results. It didn’t put God’s glory and power on display, it didn’t proclaim the coming of the kingdom of God, and it didn’t help the boy or the father. That’s why Jesus didn’t commend their effort; instead he rebuked their failure.

Later, when the disciples privately asked Jesus why they had failed, his explanation was succinct: “Because of your little faith” (Matthew 17:20). This was an unnerving answer. Jesus did not speak of God’s mysterious, inscrutable will in choosing not to answer at the time the disciples asked. Jesus put the blame squarely on the disciples’ shoulders. Their ministry failure was due to their little faith.

This account is included in the Scriptural canon in part to make us squirm and force us to ask the same soul-searching question over our ministry failures that the disciples were forced to ask: “Why could we not ____?”

Of course, not every unanswered prayer for healing, provision, conversion, etc. is a result of little faith. But we must not let ourselves off the hook too quickly when we don’t see prayers answered or when our ministry efforts fail. Being a Calvinist doesn’t mean we always get to appeal to God’s mysterious inscrutability. Yes, God is sovereign. And in this narrative, the sovereign God makes a clear statement: Little faith results in ministry failure.

What If Nothing Was Impossible for You?

But like all of Jesus’s rebukes to his disciples, his reproof is not intended to condemn us but to exhort us to press in further. If we currently have little faith, it is possible for us to have more faith. If we failed yesterday or today, we don’t have to continue to fail. “Little faith” is not a permanent label. Jesus means it as a catalyst for our transformation. For this is what he followed up with:

“For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

If Jesus’s rebuke over our little faith makes our heads droop, his promise should make our jaws drop: “nothing will be impossible for you.” Those are not empty words. That phrase is a check to be cashed.

How would you live differently if you really believed that nothing would be impossible for you?

Don’t let cynicism squelch that question. Our lightning quick and loud unbelief is not commendable. It is perverse, twisted. It robs us of more than we know. When contemplating such a question, it can be tempting for some of us to quickly point to the errors of the word-of-faith movement and reaffirm that we aren’t going to fall in that ditch. Good. We should not. But that does not excuse us to live at peace with little faith and impotence in kingdom ministry.

We are meant to move mountains — to see the impossible occur through the exercise of faith in the omnipotent promises of our sovereign Lord. If we are not seeing mountains move, we are living beneath our means. We are living as paupers when we have millions in our heavenly bank account. Jesus doesn’t commend this. He rebukes it.

The faith of God’s people is the channel through which God chooses to manifest much of his glory that results in the conversion of unbelievers. If we have little faith, then little glory is seen through us. We must not be content with this.

If we recognize that we have little faith, let us repent today and join the disciples in pleading, “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5), and not let God go until he blesses us with an answer. It is a request he loves to grant.

Jesus really does mean for us to move mountains. He wants us to live in the bold joy of knowing that nothing will be impossible for us.

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Answered Faith

Faith Bible Study #5 – Mountain-Moving Faith: Embracing the Power of Belief

Pastor Duke Taber

Updated on: July 15, 2024

essay on faith can move mountains

Introduction

Faith is a central theme throughout the Bible, and one of the most powerful illustrations of faith is found in Jesus’ teaching on faith to move mountains. In both Matthew 17:20 and Matthew 21:21-22, Jesus uses the metaphor of moving mountains to describe the incredible potential of faith in the life of a believer.

In this Bible study, we will explore the concept of faith to move mountains, examining the context and meaning of Jesus’ teaching, as well as its application for our lives today. We will consider what it means to have mountain-moving faith, the obstacles that can hinder our faith, and the practical steps we can take to cultivate a deeper trust in God.

The idea of moving mountains through faith may seem like a daunting or even impossible task. Mountains, after all, are symbols of permanence, stability, and immovability. They are massive, solid structures that have stood the test of time and weathered countless storms.

In the same way, the challenges and obstacles we face in life can often feel like immovable mountains. Whether it’s a health crisis, a financial struggle, a broken relationship, or a seemingly impossible situation, these mountains can loom large in our minds and hearts, casting a shadow of fear, doubt, and despair.

However, Jesus’ teaching on faith to move mountains reminds us that, with God, nothing is impossible. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at the right hand of the Father is available to us as believers. When we place our faith in God and align our will with His, we tap into a supernatural strength and authority that can move even the most immovable of mountains.

Throughout this study, we will explore what it means to have this kind of mountain-moving faith. We will examine the biblical basis for Jesus’ teaching, as well as examples of individuals in Scripture who demonstrated extraordinary faith in the face of impossible circumstances.

We will also consider the obstacles that can hinder our faith, such as doubt, fear, and unbelief. We will explore practical strategies for overcoming these obstacles and cultivating a deeper trust in God, even in the midst of life’s storms and challenges.

As we delve into this topic, may we approach it with open hearts and minds, ready to receive the wisdom and insight that God has for us. May we be inspired and challenged by Jesus’ words, and may we grow in our understanding and experience of mountain-moving faith.

Through this study, may we come to a deeper realization of the power and potential of faith in our lives. May we be encouraged to place our trust fully in God, knowing that He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. And may we be empowered to face life’s mountains with courage, confidence, and unwavering faith in the One who is able to move them.

Faith Bible Study #5 - Mountain-Moving Faith: Embracing the Power of Belief

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The Context of Jesus’ Teaching

To fully understand and apply Jesus’ teaching on faith to move mountains, it is important to consider the context in which He spoke these words. In both Matthew 17 and Matthew 21, Jesus uses the metaphor of moving mountains to illustrate the power and potential of faith in the life of a believer.

In Matthew 17, Jesus has just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration, where He revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. Upon descending the mountain, Jesus is confronted with a crowd and a man whose son is possessed by a demon. The man approaches Jesus and expresses his frustration that the disciples were unable to cast out the demon.

Jesus rebukes the “faithless and perverse generation” and proceeds to cast out the demon Himself. When the disciples ask why they were unable to do so, Jesus replies, “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” (Matthew 17:20, NKJV).

In this context, Jesus is addressing the disciples’ lack of faith and the obstacle it posed to their ministry. He uses the metaphor of moving mountains to illustrate the power and potential of even the smallest amount of faith, comparing it to a tiny mustard seed.

The mustard seed was proverbial in Jewish culture for its small size, yet Jesus suggests that even this small amount of faith is sufficient to accomplish the impossible. He emphasizes that the issue was not the size of their faith, but the presence of unbelief, which hindered their ability to minister effectively.

In Matthew 21, the context is slightly different. Jesus has just cursed a fig tree for its lack of fruit, causing it to wither away. The disciples are amazed at how quickly the tree withered, and Jesus uses this opportunity to teach them about the power of faith and prayer.

He says to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:21-22, NKJV).

In this context, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of faith and the absence of doubt in the life of a believer. He again uses the metaphor of moving mountains to illustrate the incredible potential of faith, suggesting that it can even enable the impossible feat of casting a mountain into the sea.

Jesus also connects faith with prayer, indicating that a believer who prays with faith and without doubt can expect to receive whatever they ask. This promise is not a blank check for personal wishes or desires, but rather an assurance that God is willing and able to answer the prayers of His children when they align with His will and purpose.

In both contexts, Jesus is challenging His disciples to a deeper and more authentic faith, one that is not hindered by unbelief or doubt. He is calling them to place their trust fully in God, knowing that He is able to accomplish the impossible through even the smallest amount of faith.

As we consider the context of Jesus’ teaching, we are reminded that faith is not just an abstract concept or a mental assent to certain beliefs. Rather, it is a living, active trust in God that has the power to transform our lives and enable us to do the impossible.

We are also reminded that faith is not something we muster up on our own strength, but rather a gift from God that grows as we cultivate our relationship with Him. As we spend time in His presence, meditate on His Word, and seek His will, our faith is strengthened and deepened, enabling us to face life’s challenges with courage and confidence.

May the context of Jesus’ teaching inspire us to examine the depth and authenticity of our own faith, and to seek a deeper trust in God that is not hindered by unbelief or doubt. May we embrace the power and potential of mountain-moving faith, knowing that with God, nothing is impossible.

Reflective Questions:

1. In what areas of your life do you feel like you are facing an immovable mountain? How can Jesus’ teaching on faith to move mountains speak to your situation?

2. Have you ever experienced a time when your faith was hindered by unbelief or doubt? What were the circumstances, and how did you overcome those obstacles?

3. What do you think it means to have faith as small as a mustard seed? How can you cultivate this kind of authentic, active faith in your own life?

4. How does Jesus’ connection between faith and prayer challenge or encourage you in your own prayer life? What does it mean to pray with faith and without doubt?

5. In what ways can you align your faith and prayers with God’s will and purpose, rather than your own desires or wishes? How can you discern His will in your life and circumstances?

The Meaning of Mountain-Moving Faith

The metaphor of moving mountains is a powerful and vivid illustration of the potential of faith in the life of a believer. But what does it actually mean to have mountain-moving faith? And how can we apply this concept to our own lives and circumstances?

At its core, mountain-moving faith is a deep, unwavering trust in God’s power, goodness, and faithfulness. It is a confidence that God is able to do the impossible, even when our circumstances seem insurmountable or beyond hope.

This kind of faith is not based on our own strength, abilities, or understanding, but rather on the character and promises of God. It is a recognition that God is sovereign over all things, and that His plans and purposes are always good, even when we cannot see or understand them.

Mountain-moving faith is also a faith that is active and obedient. It is not just a mental assent to certain beliefs or doctrines, but a willingness to step out in trust and obedience, even when the way ahead is unclear or uncertain.

In the Bible, we see numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated mountain-moving faith in the face of impossible circumstances. One such example is Abraham, who was called by God to leave his homeland and go to a place he had never seen, based solely on God’s promise and direction (Genesis 12:1-4).

Abraham’s faith was tested numerous times throughout his life, most notably when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22). Despite the seeming impossibility of the situation, Abraham trusted in God’s goodness and provision, believing that God would either provide a substitute or raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19).

Another example of mountain-moving faith is found in the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho (Joshua 6). God instructed Joshua to march around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, to march around it seven times, with the priests blowing trumpets. On the seventh time around, the people were to give a great shout, and the walls of the city would fall down flat.

From a human perspective, this battle plan made no sense. Jericho was a heavily fortified city, with walls that seemed impenetrable. Yet Joshua and the Israelites trusted in God’s instructions and obeyed, even when it seemed foolish or illogical. As a result, the walls of Jericho fell, and the city was taken.

These examples illustrate that mountain-moving faith is not a matter of mustering up enough belief or positive thinking to make things happen. Rather, it is a deep trust in God’s character and promises, and a willingness to obey His instructions, even when they seem impossible or counterintuitive.

Mountain-moving faith is also a faith that perseveres in the face of obstacles and setbacks. It recognizes that God’s timing and methods may be different than our own, and that His plans may unfold over a long period of time, rather than in a single, dramatic moment.

This kind of persevering faith is exemplified in the life of Joseph, who endured years of betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment before God ultimately elevated him to a position of power and influence in Egypt (Genesis 37-50). Throughout his trials, Joseph trusted in God’s sovereignty and goodness, believing that He would work all things together for good, even when the circumstances seemed hopeless.

As we seek to cultivate mountain-moving faith in our own lives, we must recognize that it is not something we can achieve on our own strength or willpower. Rather, it is a gift from God that grows as we cultivate our relationship with Him and seek to align our will with His.

This means spending time in God’s presence through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word. It means seeking His wisdom and guidance in all things, and being willing to obey His instructions, even when they seem difficult or costly.

It also means surrounding ourselves with a community of believers who can encourage and support us in our faith journey. As we share our struggles and victories with one another, we can spur each other on toward greater trust and obedience, reminding each other of God’s faithfulness and power.

Ultimately, mountain-moving faith is a faith that is anchored in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It recognizes that through His death and resurrection, Jesus has already conquered sin, death, and every obstacle that stands in our way. As we place our trust in Him and abide in His love, we can face life’s mountains with courage, confidence, and unwavering faith.

May we seek to cultivate this kind of mountain-moving faith in our own lives, trusting in God’s power and goodness, even in the face of impossible circumstances. May we be willing to step out in obedience and perseverance, knowing that He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. And may we find our strength and hope in Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.

1. What does it mean to you to have mountain-moving faith? How have you experienced this kind of faith in your own life, or seen it exemplified in the lives of others?

2. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God’s character and promises, even when circumstances seem impossible or hopeless? What specific attributes of God can you focus on and remind yourself of in times of doubt or fear?

3. In what areas of your life is God calling you to step out in obedience and faith, even when the way ahead is unclear or uncertain? How can you trust in His guidance and provision as you take those steps?

4. How can you persevere in faith, even when faced with obstacles, setbacks, or long periods of waiting? What encouragement or inspiration can you draw from biblical examples like Joseph or Abraham?

5. In what ways can you anchor your faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ? How does His death and resurrection give you confidence and hope in the face of life’s mountains and challenges?

Overcoming Obstacles to Mountain-Moving Faith

While the concept of mountain-moving faith is inspiring and empowering, it is important to recognize that there are often obstacles and barriers that can hinder our ability to trust God fully and step out in obedience. These obstacles can come from a variety of sources, including our own doubts, fears, and past experiences, as well as the influence of our culture and the enemy’s lies and deceptions.

One common obstacle to mountain-moving faith is doubt. Doubt can take many forms, from intellectual questions about the existence or goodness of God, to emotional struggles with trust and surrender. When we face difficult circumstances or unanswered prayers, it can be easy to doubt God’s power, love, or faithfulness.

The disciples themselves struggled with doubt, even after witnessing Jesus’ miracles and teachings firsthand. In Mark 9, a man brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus, after the disciples were unable to cast out the demon. When Jesus asks the father if he believes, the man responds, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, NKJV).

This honest cry reflects the reality that even believers can struggle with doubt and unbelief at times. The key is to bring those doubts to Jesus and ask for His help in overcoming them. As we seek His face and meditate on His Word, our faith can be strengthened and our doubts can be replaced with trust and confidence.

Another obstacle to mountain-moving faith is fear. Fear can paralyze us and keep us from stepping out in obedience, even when we know God is calling us to do so. We may fear failure, rejection, or the unknown, and allow those fears to dictate our actions and decisions.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly commands His people to “fear not,” reminding them of His presence, protection, and power. In Isaiah 41:10, God says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (NKJV).

When we are gripped by fear, we can cling to promises like these and remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and love. We can also take practical steps to confront our fears, such as seeking wise counsel, breaking down big steps into smaller ones, and choosing to focus on God’s truth rather than our own anxious thoughts.

A third obstacle to mountain-moving faith is a lack of perseverance. When we face delays, setbacks, or unanswered prayers, it can be tempting to give up and lose heart. We may question whether God is really listening or whether His promises are true for us.

However, Scripture reminds us that perseverance is a key component of authentic faith. In James 1:2-4, we read, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (NKJV).

Perseverance in faith means continuing to trust and obey God, even when we don’t see immediate results or answers to our prayers. It means holding fast to His promises and character, even when our circumstances seem to contradict them. As we persevere in faith, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes, shaping us into the image of Christ and preparing us for the plans and purposes He has for us.

Finally, a significant obstacle to mountain-moving faith can be the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44), seeks to undermine our faith and keep us from trusting and obeying God. He may whisper doubts about God’s goodness, tempt us to rely on our own strength and understanding, or accuse us of being unworthy or disqualified from God’s love and grace.

To overcome these lies, we must take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This means actively replacing lies with the truth of God’s Word, and choosing to believe what He says about us, rather than what our emotions or circumstances may suggest.

We can also arm ourselves with the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:16-17). As we study and meditate on Scripture, we can recognize and resist the enemy’s lies, and stand firm in our identity as beloved children of God.

Ultimately, overcoming obstacles to mountain-moving faith requires a daily, moment-by-moment dependence on God. It means cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, worship, and obedience, and surrounding ourselves with a community of believers who can encourage and support us in our faith journey.

It also means being willing to take steps of faith, even when we feel uncertain or afraid. As we step out in obedience, we can trust that God will meet us where we are and provide the strength, wisdom, and resources we need to overcome any obstacle that stands in our way.

The story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) provides a powerful example of overcoming obstacles to mountain-moving faith. When the Israelites were faced with the seemingly insurmountable challenge of the giant Goliath, they were paralyzed by fear and doubt. But David, a young shepherd boy, saw the situation through the lens of faith.

He recognized that the battle was not his, but the Lord’s (1 Samuel 17:47), and he trusted that the same God who had delivered him from the lion and the bear would also give him victory over Goliath. Armed with this confidence, David stepped out in faith and obedience, defeating Goliath with a single stone from his sling.

Like David, we may face giants in our own lives that seem impossible to overcome. But as we trust in God’s power and goodness, and step out in obedience to His call, we can have confidence that He will fight for us and give us the victory.

May we be encouraged and empowered by the examples of faith in Scripture, and may we seek to cultivate a mountain-moving faith that overcomes every obstacle and barrier. As we fix our eyes on Jesus and anchor our hope in His promises, we can trust that He will lead us into a life of purpose, power, and unshakable faith.

1. What doubts or fears have you struggled with in your own faith journey? How have you seen God meet you in those struggles and help you overcome them?

2. In what areas of your life do you need to persevere in faith, even when you don’t see immediate results or answers? How can you hold fast to God’s promises and character in those situations?

3. Have you ever experienced the lies or deceptions of the enemy in your own life? What specific truths from God’s Word can you use to combat those lies and stand firm in your identity as a child of God?

4. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of prayer, worship, and obedience that helps you overcome obstacles to mountain-moving faith? What practical steps can you take to make these practices a regular part of your daily life?

5. In what areas of your life is God calling you to step out in faith and obedience, even when you feel uncertain or afraid? How can you trust in His power and provision as you take those steps?

Cultivating Mountain-Moving Faith

As we have seen throughout this study, mountain-moving faith is a powerful and transformative force in the life of a believer. But how can we cultivate this kind of faith in our own lives? What practical steps can we take to deepen our trust in God and step out in obedience to His call?

One key to cultivating mountain-moving faith is to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. This means setting aside regular time for prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word. As we spend time in God’s presence, our faith is strengthened and our perspective is transformed.

In Mark 1:35, we read that Jesus Himself prioritized time with the Father: “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (NKJV). If Jesus, the Son of God, needed to spend regular time in prayer and communion with the Father, how much more do we need to make this a priority in our own lives?

As we pray, we can bring our doubts, fears, and struggles before God, and ask for His help in overcoming them. We can also pray for an increase in our faith, knowing that God is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

Another key to cultivating mountain-moving faith is to immerse ourselves in God’s Word. The Bible is our source of truth, wisdom, and inspiration, and it has the power to transform our minds and hearts. As we read and meditate on Scripture, our faith is strengthened and our perspective is aligned with God’s.

In Romans 10:17, we read, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (NKJV). The more we expose ourselves to God’s Word, the more our faith will grow and deepen. We can make Bible reading and study a regular part of our daily routine, and seek out opportunities to learn and grow in our understanding of Scripture.

We can also cultivate mountain-moving faith by stepping out in obedience to God’s call, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky. Faith is not just a mental assent to certain beliefs, but an active trust that is demonstrated through our actions and choices.

In James 2:17, we read, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (NKJV). True faith is evidenced by a willingness to obey God and follow His leading, even when it goes against our own desires or understanding.

This may mean taking a step of faith in our relationships, our careers, or our ministry. It may mean saying yes to a new opportunity or challenge, even when we feel unqualified or unprepared. As we step out in obedience, we can trust that God will equip us and guide us every step of the way.

Another way to cultivate mountain-moving faith is to surround ourselves with a community of believers who can encourage and support us in our faith journey. We were never meant to walk this path alone, but to be part of a body of believers who can spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

This may mean getting involved in a small group or Bible study, finding a mentor or accountability partner, or simply being intentional about building relationships with other believers who can encourage and challenge us in our faith.

As we share our struggles and victories with one another, we can find strength and inspiration to keep pressing on, even when the way ahead seems difficult or uncertain. We can also learn from the faith and example of others, and be reminded of God’s faithfulness and power in their lives.

Finally, cultivating mountain-moving faith requires a daily, moment-by-moment dependence on God. It means recognizing that we are utterly helpless and dependent on Him for everything, and that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

This kind of dependence is not a sign of weakness, but of spiritual maturity and strength. It is a recognition that God is the source of all wisdom, power, and provision, and that our lives are found in Him alone.

As we cultivate this kind of dependence on God, we can have confidence that He will meet us in our every need and circumstance. We can trust that He is working all things together for our good and His glory, and that He will never leave us or forsake us.

May we seek to cultivate mountain-moving faith in our own lives, through prayer, Bible study, obedience, community, and dependence on God. May we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and trust in His power and goodness to move the mountains in our lives and in our world. And may we be a living testament to the transformative power of faith, bringing glory to God and hope to a world in need.

1. How can you prioritize your relationship with God and make prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word a regular part of your daily life? What specific steps can you take to create space for these practices?

2. In what ways can immersing yourself in God’s Word strengthen and deepen your faith? How can you make Bible reading and study a consistent habit in your life?

3. What steps of obedience is God calling you to take in your own life, even when they feel uncomfortable or risky? How can you trust in His guidance and provision as you step out in faith?

4. Who are some people in your life who can encourage and support you in your faith journey? How can you be intentional about building relationships with other believers and being part of a community of faith?

5. What does it mean to cultivate a daily, moment-by-moment dependence on God? How can you practice recognizing your need for Him and trusting in His power and provision in every area of your life?

As we come to the end of this study on faith to move mountains, we have explored the context and meaning of Jesus’ teaching, the obstacles that can hinder our faith, and the practical steps we can take to cultivate a deeper trust in God.

We have seen that mountain-moving faith is not just a matter of positive thinking or mental assent, but a deep, unwavering trust in God’s power, goodness, and faithfulness. It is a faith that perseveres in the face of obstacles and setbacks, and steps out in obedience and dependence on God.

Throughout Scripture, we have seen examples of individuals who demonstrated this kind of faith, from Abraham and Joshua to David and the early church. Their stories inspire and challenge us to place our own trust in God, even when the way ahead seems impossible or uncertain.

As we seek to cultivate mountain-moving faith in our own lives, we must prioritize our relationship with God above all else, immersing ourselves in His Word and spending regular time in prayer and worship. We must also be willing to step out in obedience to His call, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky, and surround ourselves with a community of believers who can encourage and support us in our faith journey.

Ultimately, mountain-moving faith is anchored in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. Through His death and resurrection, He has overcome every obstacle and barrier that stands in our way, and has made a way for us to have abundant, eternal life in Him.

As we fix our eyes on Jesus and trust in His power and goodness, we can face any mountain or challenge that comes our way with courage, confidence, and unwavering faith. We can trust that He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine, and that He is working all things together for our good and His glory.

May we be inspired and empowered by Jesus’ teaching on faith to move mountains, and may we seek to cultivate this kind of faith in our own lives. May we be a living testament to the transformative power of faith, bringing hope and healing to a world in need.

And may we never forget that, with God, all things are possible. As Jesus declared, “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” (Matthew 17:20, NKJV).

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Your Faith Can Move Mountains

by Rick Warren — December 26, 2017

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“Have faith in God! If you have faith in God and don’t doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith” (Mark 11:22-24 CEV).

Faith opens the door to miracles. If you study the Bible and history, you find that every time God moves on Earth and does a miracle, it’s because somebody believed. 

Jesus said in Mark 11:22-24, “Have faith in God! If you have faith in God and don’t doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith” (CEV). Faith can move mountains! 

God has set up the universe in a hierarchy of laws, and the law of faith is actually a higher law than the laws of nature. That’s where miracles come in. Because when faith is used, the law of faith goes into practice, and the law of faith can actually do more than the laws of physics. 

Does God still perform miracles today? Of course he does. Every time you stretch your faith, God does miracles — every single time . My question for you is this: What’s the mountain in your life that needs to be moved? What’s the thing you’ve already decided will never change? That’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. But how do you know it won’t change? Maybe God wants your faith to supersede the law of nature. He has in the past, and he is doing it today all around the world. God is in the mountain-moving business. Do not doubt or underestimate what he wants to do in your life. 

Matthew 13:58 says, “[Jesus] did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith” (NIV). 

You might say, “I don’t see many miracles in my life.” How would you answer this question: Are you seeing with eyes of fear, or are you seeing with eyes of faith? Faith opens the door to miracles.  

  • What prayer need in your life have you given up on — you believe things will never change? 
  • How do you think God wants you to start praying for that thing? What does he want you to do in faith?
  •  When have you seen with eyes of faith and not eyes of fear?

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What does it mean, believers can move mountains?

By BibleAsk Team

August 24, 2018

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The phrase “believers can move mountains” is a powerful metaphorical expression found in the New Testament of the Bible , specifically in the teachings of Jesus Christ . It signifies the extraordinary potential and power of faith .

Biblical Context of “Moving Mountains”

The concept of moving mountains through faith is mentioned in several places in the New Testament. The primary references are found in the Gospels, where Jesus uses this metaphor to illustrate the power of unwavering faith .

Matthew 17:20 (NKJV)

“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.'”

The mustard seed may be small to begin with, but hidden within it is the power of life, and, once given the right circumstances, it will grow. The possession of faith, Jesus says, is not a matter of quantity but of quality. It is not so much the amount of faith, but its truthfulness. Either a person has faith or he does not have faith. The very smallest amount of faith is enough to accomplish the impossible (Mark 11:23).

Too often the reason a Christian can’t experience God ’s strength in his daily life is that he is “fearful” and has “little faith.” Christians need to cast away their trust in themselves and depend totally and completely on God ’s power (Matthew 8:26). As Christ calmed the winds and the waves of the sea, so He is able to banish the storms of life that so often blow over the human soul .

Matthew 21:21 (NKJV)

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” it will be done.'”

The meaning of moving mountains is contextual. Jesus said that His followers can move mountains in response to an incident where His disciples failed to perform a miracle of healing. A certain man asked the disciples to heal his epileptic son, who was suffering severely but the disciples, couldn’t. Jesus said to them, “…Bring him here to Me.” And He rebuked the demon , and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour (Matthew 17:14-18, NKJV).

The disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why could we not cast it out? (Matthew 17: 19). He answered them, “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” (Matthew 17:20 also 21:21; Luke 17:6).

Jesus, here, was speaking of figurative mountains of trials. For He Himself never moved literal mountains, nor did He intend His followers to do that. Christ spoke of the great problems that the disciples will face in their lives as they went out on His great commission to preach the good news to the world. And the Master assured His disciples that no difficulty, will be too great for them to overcome (Isaiah 45:18; 55:8–11). For “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26, NKJV).

Mark 11:23 (NKJV)

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”

In these passages, Jesus emphasizes the potency of faith. By using the metaphor of moving mountains, He is not suggesting that believers will physically relocate geological formations, but rather, He is highlighting the boundless possibilities that come with true, unwavering faith.

Theological Significance

Faith as trust in god.

At its core, the statement about moving mountains reflects the essential Christian teaching about faith. Faith, in this context, is complete trust and confidence in God and His power. It is not merely belief in the existence of God, but a profound trust in His omnipotence, wisdom , and goodness.

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

This definition from Hebrews underscores the nature of faith as a conviction in things not yet realized or visible. It is this kind of faith that Jesus speaks of when He says believers can move mountains.

Faith and Prayer

The metaphor also ties closely to the teachings on the efficacy of prayer. Jesus’ statements about moving mountains are often linked with instructions on prayer, emphasizing that faith-filled prayer can yield miraculous results.

James 5:15-16 (NKJV)

“And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Faith, therefore, is not only about belief but also about active trust expressed through prayer. The mountain-moving faith is one that is exercised through persistent and sincere prayer.

Practical Implications for Believers

Overcoming personal obstacles.

For believers, the metaphor of moving mountains can be applied to personal and communal challenges. Whether facing illness, financial difficulties, relational conflicts, or spiritual battles, the promise of mountain-moving faith encourages believers to trust in God’s power to intervene and transform their circumstances.

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

This verse resonates with the concept of mountain-moving faith, affirming that with Christ’s strength, believers can overcome any difficulty.

Advancing God’s Kingdom

The metaphor also applies to the broader mission of the church . The early Christians faced immense persecution and numerous obstacles in spreading the gospel. The assurance that faith can move mountains provided them with the courage and perseverance needed to fulfill their mission.

Acts 4:29-31 (NKJV)

“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.’ And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit , and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”

This passage demonstrates the early church ’s reliance on prayer and faith to overcome the immense challenges they faced, essentially moving the mountains before them.

Challenges to Understanding and Applying the Metaphor

Misinterpretation of faith.

One of the significant challenges in understanding the metaphor of moving mountains is the potential for misinterpretation. Some might view it as a guarantee that every desire or prayer will be granted if one has enough faith. However, biblical faith is not about coercing God into fulfilling personal wishes but aligning oneself with God’s will and purposes.

1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV)

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

True mountain-moving faith seeks God’s will above all and trusts that He knows what is best for His children.

The Role of Doubt

Jesus also highlights the importance of not doubting. Doubt can undermine faith and hinder its effectiveness.

James 1:6-8 (NKJV)

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

This passage from James echoes Jesus’ teachings and emphasizes the necessity of unwavering faith. Doubt creates instability and can prevent believers from experiencing the full power of their faith.

Examples of Mountain-Moving Faith in the Bible

Abraham is often cited as a quintessential example of faith. Despite his old age and the apparent impossibility of having a child with Sarah , he believed in God’s promise.

Romans 4:20-21 (NKJV)

“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”

Abraham ’s faith was metaphorically mountain-moving because he believed in God’s promise against all odds, and God fulfilled His promise.

Moses , leading the Israelites out of Egypt, faced numerous seemingly insurmountable challenges, yet his faith in God’s guidance and power led to miraculous events, such as the parting of the Red Sea.

Hebrews 11:29 (NKJV)

“By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.”

Moses ’ faith moved the mountain of the Red Sea, enabling the Israelites to escape from Pharaoh’s army.

The Ultimate Example: Jesus Christ

Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of mountain-moving faith. His entire ministry, culminating in His death and resurrection, was marked by faith in God’s plan and power.

John 11:41-42 (NKJV)

“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.'”

Jesus’ prayer before raising Lazarus from the dead demonstrates His unwavering faith in God’s power and purpose.

Contemporary Application

Personal life.

In contemporary Christian life, believers are encouraged to apply the principle of mountain-moving faith to their personal circumstances. This involves trusting God with their deepest concerns and challenges, believing that He is able to do far more than they can ask or imagine.

Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”

This assurance encourages believers to bring their needs to God with confidence, trusting in His limitless power.

Community and Global Challenges

On a broader scale, mountain-moving faith can inspire action to address significant social and spiritual challenges. Whether combating injustice or spreading the gospel, faith empowers believers to undertake great tasks, trusting that God will work through their efforts.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth . Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit , teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen .”

The Great Commission itself is a call to mountain-moving faith, trusting in Jesus’ authority and presence as believers go into the world.

The phrase “believers can move mountains” encapsulates the profound power of faith as taught by Jesus Christ. Through various biblical passages and examples, it becomes clear that this metaphor is not about literal geological changes but about the spiritual and practical power of faith to overcome great obstacles and achieve the seemingly impossible. By placing unwavering trust in God, engaging in fervent prayer, and aligning with God’s will, believers can experience and witness the extraordinary capabilities that faith bestows.

The teachings of Jesus, supported by the broader scriptural context, emphasize that faith must be genuine, devoid of doubt, and fully reliant on God’s omnipotence. This kind of faith has been exemplified by biblical figures such as Abraham, Moses, and ultimately Jesus Himself, each demonstrating that with God, nothing is impossible.

In contemporary application, believers are encouraged to apply this principle both personally and collectively, addressing challenges with the confidence that faith in God brings. Whether facing personal trials or engaging in broader missions, the metaphor of moving mountains continues to inspire and empower believers to trust in God’s power to transform their circumstances and the world around them.

In His service, BibleAsk Team

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Sermon: Moving Mountains with Faith - Matthew 17

  • Steve Andrews

January 1, 2014

Scriptures: Matthew 17

Introduction

What is your reaction to some of the incredible promises contained in Scripture?

Some who could be called Sinful Skeptics point to what they consider to be outrageous claims as proof that the Bible is not the authoritative Word of God.

The Doctrinal Dull believe the Bible to be true, but they hold to a doctrinal position that regulates miraculous manifestations to specific periods of biblical history.

But, there is a company of the Faithful Few who embrace the precious promises of Scripture for daily living.

On two separate occasions the Lord Jesus declared that incredible, "mountain moving" power was available to those who exercised faith. The promise, if it occurred just once in Scripture, is holy and reliable. God's choice to present this truth in multiple settings heightens the significance of the promise for all believers. It is an awesome life-changing moment when you realize that God has promised supernatural power to followers of Christ.

God's miracle-working power is not limited to salvation, but God desires to manifest His power, glory, forgiveness, joy, and peace in and through our lives on a daily basis. To understand mountain moving faith we must carefully consider Jesus' teaching in Matthew 17 and Mark 11.

I. Spiritual dimension

One of the first observations that must be made is to understand that Jesus is using physical illustrations to communicate spiritual truth. When He said, "Tell this mountain to be cast into the sea," Jesus is not teaching a college course on landscape design. He is not explaining horticulture principles when the fig tree dies. In the Matthew passage, Jesus uses "mountain moving faith" to instruct the disciples who failed to defeat demonic forces. In Mark 11:22-25 Jesus addresses the rebellion of Israel and their refusal to embrace the Kingdom of God. The specific context of Mark 11 includes Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and driving the money changers out of the temple. Quoting from the prophet Isaiah Jesus declares, "My house shall be called a house of prayer." The incredible promise of moving mountains occurs within the context of purity and prayer.

Observing when and where Jesus declared these promises reveals the spiritual nature of the Kingdom of God. Throughout His earthly ministry, the Lord Jesus encountered many who wanted to make Him a political or military leader, but He reminded them, that His Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). We struggle with the same inability or unwillingness to operate according to spiritual principles. Often, we are dominated by the material world. Just as devastating as being consumed by materialistic greed is the spiritual blindness that handicaps so many believers.

Randy Alcorn's insightful book Lord Foulgrin's Letters applies the concepts of C.S. Lewis classic work The Screwtape Letters to a 21st century American family. A high ranking demon shares with his apprentice effective strategies for leading a family to Hell.Lord Foulgrin writes to the demon Squaltaint, "Consider whom we are dealing with here. The virus of the galaxy, these parasites called image bearers, are so ignorant they image the cosmos is limited to what they see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. The rest of the universe, 99.99% of all reality, in their puny minds simply doesn't exist. They're like those slimy babies in their vermin mother's womb, never suspecting there's a vast world beyond the realm of their senses. (Randy Alcorn, Lord Foulgrin's Letters. Sisters: Multnoma Publishers, 2001, p. 21.)

We must recognize the spiritual reality of unseen principles that govern the Kingdom of God. This does not imply that we should ignore physical or material threats to our faith. But, a failure to appreciate the unseen forces affecting our lives prevents us from utilizing the power of faith promised by Christ. The apostle Paul exhorted the saints of God to follow his example, "We fix our eyes on what is unseen because what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Cor. 4: 18).

The earth travels around its own axis at 1,000 m.p.h. and around the sun at 67,000 m.p.h. We zoom through the galaxy at an astonishing speed of 481,000 miles per hour! (H. L. Willmington, Willmington's Guide To The Bible. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1989, p.13.) Our daily experience or material existence makes us feel like we are standing still. But, the reality is that we are moving through space at enormous speeds. We understand that concepts like anger, fear, and love are real even though they are not physical packages that can be wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree. Jesus used the terminology of moving mountains to elevate our perception beyond the finite limits of time and space and to call upon an infinite God to release supernatural power in our lives.

II. Spoken expression

The second major characteristic of mountain moving faith is the spoken expression of believing God to honor His promises. In the mountain moving passages, Jesus emphasized the practice of speaking faith into action. We are commanded to "say to the mountain." The concept of speaking faith has been ignored by large segments of the Christian community. The second part of Jesus' teaching in Mark 11:24 of "believing in your heart" enjoys broader acceptance. Some fear being labeled "charismatic" if they speak to demons or mountains that threaten the advance of God's Kingdom in and through our lives. We must lay aside labels and carefully consider the teaching of Christ.

The principle of speaking faith is not an isolated anecdote. When God prescribed the formula of success for Joshua, He said, "Do not let the Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Josh. 1:8). Did you notice where the Book of the Law should not depart? God said keep the word in your mouth. If you are not familiar with this passage, you expect God to tell Joshua to keep the Book in his heart, but God wants His word in our mouth. We consume the Word of God so that we can speak the Word of God in faith.

Do you remember why God prevented Moses from entering the Promised Land? The Bible says Moses struck the rock twice instead of speaking to the rock as a demonstration of God's provision for the people. Moses' offense was more than a failure to speak. He acted out of anger toward Israel, and he failed to declare that God would bring water from the rock. Moses took credit for God's miracle. His disobedience was severely punished. God's rebuke of Moses illustrates the priority that God places on obedience, but it also reveals the significance of verbalizing our faith.

When we hear the term confess, we usually think of confessing sin, but confession is more than identifying failure. Confession provides a way to strengthen our faith. Romans 10:9-10 is a central piece of what is often referred to as "The Roman Road of Salvation." Selected verses from the book of Romans provide a brief but comprehensive description of what it means to trust Christ for eternal life. Romans 10:9-10 says "If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. For it is with your heart you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Additional references illustrate the importance of speaking or confessing faith, but recognition of the role in salvation should be sufficient evidence.

Another critical element in the discipline of speaking faith is identifying to what you are speaking. Notice you speak to the mountain. Beyond just making a request in prayer, we must speak to the mountain that we desire God to move. This dynamic principle is best seen in the ministry of Jesus. When He delivered people from demonic strongholds, Jesus spoke directly to the demon, even calling the demons by name. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He could have just prayed for God to perform a resurrection. But, Jesus said. "Lazarus come forth!" Some Bible scholars believe every dead person is Bethany would have come out of the grave if Jesus had not called Lazarus by name. Examples of godly people who understood this concept include King David who spoke directly to Goliath saying, "The God whom you have mocked will deliver you into my hands." Elisha instructed a widow to collect all the empty vessels she could gather as a testimony of her emptiness and an expectation for God meet her needs. A Roman centurion amazed Jesus by his faith because this military commander understood the power of spoken authority. The centurion did not request for Jesus to visit his home; rather he believed that Jesus could speak healing for a dying servant. The Bible says Jesus was amazed that this Roman soldier understood what most of Israel had missed.

What is the mountain standing in the way of your spiritual victory? In order to command a mountain to be cast into the sea, you must accurately identify what it is. Is a fear of failure preventing you from attempting a new task? Has a negative experience in your past held you in bondage? Perhaps a nagging or recurring sin is robbing the joy of dynamic faith. Financial struggles may create strife in a marriage and unnecessary stress. Physical sickness or emotional suffering can become strongholds that quench the fire of faith.

Instead of praying generic prayers like, "Bless me and my family," and receiving generic answers, begin attacking the mountains. Rebuke the laziness or lack of discipline that leads us down the road of compromise. Declare that disease must leave your body. Tell the mountains of bitterness to be cast in to the sea of forgiveness. Say to the fear that paralyzes your ability to change, "Fear, you no longer will be my master. I have a new Lord in my life, and He has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."

Some falsely assume that because God knows our heart, we do not need to verbalize our request. God knows what we will say before we say it. Therefore, they just remain silent. Please understand when we speak to the mountains and claim God's promises, we are not informing God of the situation. He is not ruling the universe in a confused state waiting for us to identify an appropriate use of His awesome power. Speaking to mountains is for our benefit. Verbalizing what we desire God to do in our lives creates humble dependence. Calling the mountains by name helps us recognize the struggle and express thanksgiving to the source of our deliverance. When you incorporate this discipline in your devotional life, you can climb to higher levels of maturity that most saints never attempt or imagine.

III. Sustained dedication

As transforming as the discipline of speaking faith is to most believers, the third principle of sustained dedication is where most saints stop climbing. Matthew 17 includes the powerful but often misapplied illustration of the mustard seed. The popular misapplication of the passage is, "If you just have a tiny bit of faith, God can use your little faith to accomplish significant things." Jesus is NOT promoting small faith. Throughout his ministry he rebuked the disciples and others for their lack of faith. "O ye of little faith" is not a statement of commendation. Jesus was amazed at the centurion in Luke 7 because he demonstrated "great faith."

The mustard seed illustrates powerful potential not small size. Just as a small amount of Anthrax or the Ebola virus can produce incredible devastation, mustard seed faith possesses the power to transform your life. Three significant characteristics of the mustard seed must be applied to our faith in order to experience the power that Jesus promised in this passage.

Mustard seeds illustrate LIMITATION. That may sound contradictory, but the point is that mustard seeds produce mustard trees or plants. Mustard seeds do not produce apples, oranges, or pineapples. Jesus taught the Word of God is like a seed (see Matt. 13). Mustard seed faith is powerful, but the power is limited to producing those things consistent with biblical revelation. This is not the text to build a "name it and claim it" philosophy. Jesus is not promising to give you whatever you want; He promises that faith releases the power of God to produce biblical maturity in your life and display God's glory. God's power is limited to sacred desires not selfish delights.

Mustard seeds illustrate EXPECTATION. When a mustard seed is planted, one expects a mustard plant to emerge from the ground. Even though you can not see the seed making the transformation, you expect the process to work. The writer of Hebrews defined faith as the "conviction of things not seen and the assurance of things hoped for" (Heb 11:1). Jesus said, "When you ask, believe as though you have already received it" (Mark 11:24). Do you expect God to answer your prayers?

Mustard seeds illustrate DEDICATION. A seed requires time and sustained growth to germinate and finally breakthrough the soil. The seed continues developing for months before it is considered a mature plant. Many Christians experience doubt, disappointment, and confusion because they do not understand this mustard seed principle. Perhaps you have said or know someone who has said, "I prayed for a miracle. I asked in Jesus name. I spoke to the mountains. God did not answer prayer in 24 hours, so I decided those promises are bogus." Of course if you are reading this book, you probably would never say God's Word is bogus. Instead, you pray acceptable and safe prayers like, "God if it is your will please remove this mountain." When the mountains remain, we say it must be God's will and avoid personal evaluation of our unwillingness to labor in prayer or fasting.

Please understand I am not saying that all the bad things that happen in life are the result of a lack of faith. A casual reading of Scripture and Church history reveals that God's will may include broken hearts, trials, the valley of the shadow of death, shipwrecks, a lion's den, and mistreatment by enemies of the cross. However, any honest evaluation of American Christianity must conclude that sustained intense praying is an endangered discipline. You are more likely to find in most churches, state of the art media equipment that impresses men, instead of steadfast praying that captures the heart of God.

E. M. Bounds sounds like an Old Testament prophet with his strong challenge for the Church to return to Christ-honoring prayer. "The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. This vital, urgent truth is one that this age of machinery is apt to forget. The forgetting of it is as detrimental to the Word of God as removing the sun from its sphere. Darkness, confusion, and death would ensue. What the Church needs is not better machinery, not new organizations, or more novel methods. She needs men whom the Holy Spirit can use - men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Spirit does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men - men of prayer." ( E.M. Bounds, Power Through Prayer. New Kensington: Whitaker House, 1982, p. 8-9.)

IV. Study the map

One of my favorite golfing stories addresses the desire for supernatural power that we have considered in this chapter. A young man from the Middle East moved to Scotland. Since Scotland is the birth place of golf, the man decided to try the game, and he was terrible. He made duffers and weekend hackers look like Tiger Woods. On one of the beautiful ocean courses, he hit his ball off the fairway, over the cliff, and onto the beach. Determined not to take a penalty stroke and playing with the last ball in his bag, he climbed down the cliff to hit the ball from the beach. When he got down the cliff, he discovered a magic genie lamp on the beach near his ball. When he removed the seaweed from the lamp, a genie appeared and said, "Your wish is my command!"

The man said, "I wish for peace in my homeland." The genie asked where he was from. The man pulled a small map from his wallet and showed the genie a small town near Jerusalem. The genie said, "Let's be realistic. The Middle East has been a place or turmoil for thousands of years. Do you really think a genie covered in seaweed on the coast of Scotland can grant that wish? Make another wish." The man said "I want to be a professional golfer." The genie said, "Now that's more like it. Take a practice swing, so I will know what to improve." The man took his swing, and the genie said, "Let me have one more look at that map!"

If the promises of mountain moving power seem too good to be true, you need to take one more look at the map. The one making the promises is not a magic genie but a majestic God who desires to demonstrate His power in your life. Embrace the possibility that God's supernatural activity did not stop with the cross, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also along with him graciously give us all things" (Rom. 8:32). See the mountain. Speak to the mountain, and send it to the sea!

Dr. Steve Andrews is senior pastor Alabaster Baptist Church, Alabaster, Alabama. He and his wife Karen have four children. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia.

Can Faith Really Move Mountains?

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them” (Mark 11:23).

Can Faith Really Move Mountains?

Faith has been wonderfully described in the Bible, used by great people who loved God and would do anything and everything for him. Even Abraham, the father of faith, had such faith in God to the point of sacrificing his son (God intervened and blessed Abraham as the father of nations).

Faith in the gospel, which is accepting and trusting the one we cannot see, knowing that he died and rose and will come again — that is the faith of salvation in Christ Jesus, which every believer who has confessed Christ has received redemption for their souls.

Faith, as the gift of the Spirit, is another example of faith we have read and even seen; the apostle worked tremendously with this gift through the power of the Holy Spirit with signs following.

We have seen and read of the great miracles that seemed impossible but done by the Holy Spirit trough great evangelists of our time, both past and present because of their faith in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Faith to Move Mountains

Mountains come to us in diverse forms, such as obstacles, opposition, sickness, death, difficulty, impossibility, and insurmountable situations.

What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel, you will become level ground  ( Zechariah 4:7 ).

Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain  ( Isaiah 40:4 ).

The mountain here is not a literal mountain that we see as we drive through our hometown, this mountain is a figurative mountain as expressed above. Faith removes them from our way, it makes them plain and they become as nothing before us. For nothing can stand in the way of a man or woman of faith ( Mark 11:23 ; Matthew 21:21 ).

Jesus was telling the disciples, who were marveled because the fig tree dried up, that even this mount, the Mount of Olives if you say to it be thou cast into the sea, it will literally be cast into the sea because you believe it can be done.

Why? Because we have faith, that whatever we say believing shall be done. Just as we believe that Jesus is the Savior. So, therefore, no matter how little our faith is, even if it is as small as a mustard seed , inasmuch it has the backing of faith as we make our declarations, it will be, just as we say it should.

That is why speaking and praying in faith is important for us as believers, we are not just ordinary people, Christ says whatever you believe it shall be established unto you, the Matthew Henry’s commentary puts it better.

Whosoever shall say to this mountain, this Mount of Olives, be removed and cast into the sea. If he has but any word of God, general or particular to build his faith upon, and if he shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he said, according to the warrant he has from what God hath said, shall come to pass, he shall have whatever he said through the strength and power of God in Christ Jesus, the greatest difficulty shall be gotten over and the thing shall be effected.

Buttressing on this, Jesus went further in verse 24 telling them of the importance of believing while making a request in prayer, and Hebrews 11 tells of how men and women of old used faith to move obstacles seen and unseen.

Seemingly Unmovable Mountains

We have been able to discuss faith as it applies to salvation and also as the gift of the spirit; we have also seen how faith no matter how small can move mountains, figurative mountains or literal mountains.

How then does our faith move mountains?

Having identified your mountain (mountains in the form of difficulty, failure, and sickness, etc.). Anything you can think of that serves as an obstacle to enjoying the best life God has for you, how then can you exercise your faith in moving them.

Using Matthew 17:14-21 , the disciples could not cast out the demon, and then Jesus pointed out some factors that hindered them:

  • Unbelief; lack of faith
  • *And I add, to be deeply rooted in the Word

Having these we can move any form of the mountains, which was buttressed in Matthew 17:21 because most times, as recorded in 2 Corinthians 10:4 , the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. They have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Most of the time our unbelief restricts the manifest power of God in our lives, it is because of our unbelief that we bring little to pass if you have but a grain of true faith, though little as mustard seeds, you shall speak and it shall stand.

Note, an active faith can remove mountains, not of itself, but in the form of a divine power engaged by a divine promise (Word of God), both of which faith fastens upon.

Jesus, in all his teachings, always taught his disciples the importance of faith and why they needed to be in faith, any time his disciples fell short of this, he would ask, “Where is your faith? You faithless generation?” ( Luke 8:25 ; Mark 9:19 ; Mark 4:40 ; Matthew 14:31 ).

But to anyone who shows his or her faith, he would commend, like the woman with the issue of blood ( Matthew 15:28 ), the Centurion ( Luke 7:1-10 ), etc. This shows that when we apply our faith to our difficulties, God is always pleased because this shows we trust in him to make all impossibilities possible.

What Does This Mean?

Fear, doubt, unbelief, and prayerlessness hinders the working wonders of faith in our lives, whenever we show the above, we are saying, “God, this situation is bigger than you, you just cannot solve this,” forgetting that he is the God of all possibilities.

Trusting in God is leaving all to him in faith, knowing that everything will work out just fine for you. But that does not mean we should not do our own part, for faith without works is dead.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/leonid_tit

Jolaade Olatunbsoun  is an experienced Christian writer, having written for clients, local churches, and youth fellowship. Jolaade’s focus is on expounding biblical passages and expressing God’s love through writing. Her writing infuses faith into daily life, helping readers grow in the knowledge and love of God and His words. Desiring to help people understand the Bible, maximize their potential, and have a deeper fellowship with God, Jolaade develops content for Sunday school materials, Christian material for books, devotionals, eBooks, articles, short stories, and poems. Her blog may be found here . 

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essay on faith can move mountains

Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains

By President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life. All things are possible to them that believe.

My dear brothers and sisters, I am grateful for the privilege of speaking with you on this Easter Sunday. 1 The atoning sacrifice and Resurrection of Jesus Christ changed each of our lives forever. We love Him and gratefully worship Him and our Heavenly Father.

During the past six months, we have continued to grapple with a global pandemic. I marvel at your resilience and spiritual strength in the face of illness, loss, and isolation. I pray constantly that, through it all, you will feel the Lord’s unfailing love for you. If you have responded to your trials with a stronger discipleship, this past year will not have been in vain.

This morning, we have heard from Church leaders who come from every populated continent on earth. Truly, the blessings of the gospel are for every race, language, and people. The Church of Jesus Christ is a global church. Jesus Christ is our leader.

Thankfully, even a pandemic has not been able to slow the onward march of His truth. The gospel of Jesus Christ is exactly what is needed in this confused, contentious, and weary world.

Each of God’s children deserves the opportunity to hear and accept the healing, redeeming message of Jesus Christ. No other message is more vital to our happiness—now and forever. 2 No other message is more filled with hope. No other message can eliminate contention in our society.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of all belief and the conduit of divine power. According to the Apostle Paul, “Without faith it is impossible to please [God]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” 3

Everything good in life—every potential blessing of eternal significance—begins with faith. Allowing God to prevail in our lives begins with faith that He is willing to guide us. True repentance begins with faith that Jesus Christ has the power to cleanse, heal, and strengthen us. 4

“Deny not the power of God,” the prophet Moroni declared, “for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men.” 5 It is our faith that unlocks the power of God in our lives.

And yet, exercising faith can seem overwhelming. At times we may wonder if we can possibly muster enough faith to receive the blessings that we so desperately need. However, the Lord put those fears to rest through the words of the Book of Mormon prophet Alma.

Alma asks us simply to experiment upon the word and “exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if [we] can no more than desire to believe.” 6 The phrase “particle of faith” reminds me of the Lord’s biblical promise that if we “have faith as a grain of mustard seed ,” we shall be able to “say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto [us] .” 7

The Lord understands our mortal weakness. We all falter at times. But He also knows of our great potential. The mustard seed starts small but grows into a tree large enough for birds to nest in its branches. The mustard seed represents a small but growing faith. 8

The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power. But He does ask us to believe.

My dear brothers and sisters, my call to you this Easter morning is to start today to increase your faith. Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life, 9 even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.

Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary, and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith. That takes work. Lazy learners and lax disciples will always struggle to muster even a particle of faith.

To do anything well requires effort. Becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ is no exception. Increasing your faith and trust in Him takes effort. May I offer five suggestions to help you develop that faith and trust.

First, study . Become an engaged learner. Immerse yourself in the scriptures to understand better Christ’s mission and ministry. Know the doctrine of Christ so that you understand its power for your life. Internalize the truth that the Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to you . He took upon Himself your misery, your mistakes, your weakness, and your sins. He paid the compensatory price and provided the power for you to move every mountain you will ever face. You obtain that power with your faith, trust, and willingness to follow Him.

Moving your mountains may require a miracle. Learn about miracles. Miracles come according to your faith in the Lord. Central to that faith is trusting His will and timetable—how and when He will bless you with the miraculous help you desire. Only your un belief will keep God from blessing you with miracles to move the mountains in your life. 10

The more you learn about the Savior, the easier it will be to trust in His mercy, His infinite love, and His strengthening, healing, and redeeming power. The Savior is never closer to you than when you are facing or climbing a mountain with faith .

Second, choose to believe in Jesus Christ. If you have doubts about God the Father and His Beloved Son or the validity of the Restoration or the veracity of Joseph Smith’s divine calling as a prophet, choose to believe 11 and stay faithful. Take your questions to the Lord and to other faithful sources. Study with the desire to believe rather than with the hope that you can find a flaw in the fabric of a prophet’s life or a discrepancy in the scriptures. Stop increasing your doubts by rehearsing them with other doubters. Allow the Lord to lead you on your journey of spiritual discovery.

Third, act in faith. What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.

Fourth, partake of sacred ordinances worthily. Ordinances unlock the power of God for your life. 12

And fifth, ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help.

Faith takes work. Receiving revelation takes work. But “every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” 13 God knows what will help your faith grow. Ask, and then ask again.

A nonbeliever might say that faith is for the weak. But this assertion overlooks the power of faith. Would the Savior’s Apostles have continued to teach His doctrine after His death, at the peril of their lives, if they had doubted Him? 14 Would Joseph and Hyrum Smith have suffered martyrs’ deaths defending the Restoration of the Lord’s Church unless they had a sure witness that it was true? Would nearly 2,000 Saints have died along the pioneer trail 15 if they did not have faith that the gospel of Jesus Christ had been restored? Truly, faith is the power that enables the unlikely to accomplish the impossible.

Do not minimize the faith you already have. It takes faith to join the Church and remain faithful. It takes faith to follow prophets rather than pundits and popular opinion. It takes faith to serve a mission during a pandemic. It takes faith to live a chaste life when the world shouts that God’s law of chastity is now outmoded. It takes faith to teach the gospel to children in a secular world. It takes faith to plead for the life of a loved one and even more faith to accept a disappointing answer.

Two years ago, Sister Nelson and I visited Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Tahiti. Each of those island nations had experienced heavy rains for days. Members had fasted and prayed that their outdoor meetings would be protected from the rain.

In Samoa, Fiji, and Tahiti, just as the meetings began, the rain stopped. But in Tonga, the rain did not stop. Yet 13,000 faithful Saints came hours early to get a seat, waited patiently through a steady downpour, and then sat through a very wet two-hour meeting.

We saw vibrant faith at work among each of those islanders—faith sufficient to stop the rain and faith to persevere when the rain did not stop.

The mountains in our lives do not always move how or when we would like. But our faith will always propel us forward. Faith always increases our access to godly power.

Please know this: if everything and everyone else in the world whom you trust should fail, Jesus Christ and His Church will never fail you. The Lord never slumbers, nor does He sleep. 16 He “is the same yesterday, today, and [tomorrow].” 17 He will not forsake His covenants, 18 His promises, or His love for His people. He works miracles today, and He will work miracles tomorrow. 19

Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life. All things are possible to them that believe. 20

Your growing faith in Him will move mountains—not the mountains of rock that beautify the earth but the mountains of misery in your lives. Your flourishing faith will help you turn challenges into unparalleled growth and opportunity.

On this Easter Sunday, with my deep feelings of love and gratitude, I declare my witness that Jesus Christ is indeed risen. He is risen to lead His Church. He is risen to bless the lives of all of God’s children, wherever they live. With faith in Him, we can move the mountains in our lives. I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

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“how To Build A Faith That Moves Mountains”

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Andy Grossman avatar

Contributed by Andy Grossman on May 14, 2016 (message contributor)

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-13

Denomination: Holiness

Summary: Defines faith and reveals how to grow it.

“How to Build a Faith that Moves Mountains”

May 15, 2016

Hebrews 11:1-3 , 6, 8-10, 13

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the Promised Land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”

Faith is so awesome! Have you ever had anyone have faith in you? Have you ever had anyone believe in you when no one else did? I have. My Mom and my wife are two people that I can think of right of the top of my head who have had faith in me. When someone has faith in you – it does something to you. It changes you! It strengthens you! It gives you courage to try what you may have thought impossible at one time.

That is how God wants us to live! He want us to live faithful and courageous lives. By the way, it takes courage to live by faith. But God expects it of us. He demands it of us. Did you catch that truth spoken in our Scripture? “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”

The question we each need to ask ourselves is, “Am I living a life that pleases God?” Before we answer that question – I want to talk about the power of faith. Do you know you can move mountains with faith? Listen to these Scriptures.

“The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” Luke 17:5-6

“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.” Matthew 17:14-20

Did you hear Jesus telling us we could move a mountain with just a little faith? We could uproot a tree and toss it into the ocean! We could cast out demons and heal the sick and give sight to the blind. There is power in the name of Jesus! There is power in faith in Jesus. Mark 10:51-52

I don’t know about you – but I WANT it! I want more of it! But what is “IT”? What is faith? When Jesus came to the disciples and asked for more faith – listen to what He said.

“Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” Luke 17:7-10

Doesn’t that just bless your heart? That is Jesus’ answer to the disciples asking for more faith. Like so many of the deep spiritual truths – you have to seek before you find. You have to think and pray and ask for answers and knock until God reveals the truth to you personally. What Jesus is saying, I think, is when God reveals His will to you, you have to just obey. It doesn’t matter how you feel about it. It doesn’t matter if you ‘want’ to or not. It doesn’t matter if you think it is ‘fair’ or not, ‘right’ or not or whether you have important personal needs to take care of. He is the Master. We are unworthy servants. He speaks and we obey. End of story. We don’t obey out of love or because it is the right thing or any other reason. We obey because HE is God – and we are not! And when we do faith grows.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 13:5 , Hebrews 11:1 , Hebrews 11:1-13 , Hebrews 11:1-3 , Hebrews 11:13-16 , Hebrews 11:17-19 , Luke 17:5-6 , Luke 17:7-10 , Malachi 3:8-11 , Mark 10:51-52 , Mark 6:5-6 , Matthew 17:14-20 , Revelation 12:11

Sermon Topics: Pleasing God , Growing Faith , Defining Faith

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Pentecostal Sermons and Bible Studies by Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D.

Faith That Moves Mountains: 3 Keys to Mountain-Moving Faith

Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D.

Summary:   Jesus said, "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 " (Matthew 17:20). The apostle Paul spoke of " faith that can move mountains " (1 Corin. 13:2). On another occasion Jesus said, "If you have faith and do not doubt...you can say to this mountain , 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done" (Matt. 21:21). Jesus obviously was not intending for His disciples literally to be tossing mountains into the sea. Can you imagine the chaos! Earthquakes, tsunamis, and more. But we all face “mountains” in our lives — obstacles, relational breakdowns, illnesses, and other seemingly insurmountable barriers. But take hope! Faith can move "mountains," and the Scriptures give you 3 simple keys to developing mountain-moving faith. Here they are.  

Romans 10:17, KJV   So then faith cometh by hearing , and hearing by the word of God .

NIV :   Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ .

All the books of the Bible speak of Jesus . To the Jewish leaders opposing Him, Jesus said, “You study the Scriptures diligently… These are the very [Old Testament] Scriptures that testify about me ” (John 5:39).

Faith comes from hearing the Word of God broadly , in its entirety, and specifically from hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ . And remember, He is seen in all the books of the Bible — often prophetically in the Old Testament, and historically in the New Testament.

Acts 14:7-10   …[in Lystra and Derbe] they continued to preach the gospel . In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk .

vs. 9, KJV   The same heard Paul speak [the Gospel (vs. 7)]…

The crippled man heard God’s Word preached. It is clear that hearing the Word produced faith in his heart, because the preacher Paul looked at him and “saw that he had faith to be healed .” Then Paul spoke out, “Stand up on your feet,” and the man was instantly healed. His "mountain" of paralysis was moved by faith from hearing Paul's preaching.

Hearing God’s Word produces this "mountain"-moving faith, as it did with the lame man. If you want to be a man or woman of great faith, study the Scriptures, God’s Word. Take time each day to read them. My wife Linda and I read a few chapters out loud together each day, covering the Bible in about one year.

Each time before reading, I suggest praying the message of Psalm 119:18 — “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Ask God to help and enable you to see and hear and understand God’s Word deep within your spirit.

2) Believe —

OK, so you’ve diligently applied yourself to God’s Word. You’ve heard it (from personal study and from the pulpit), and it has given you light and understanding (Psalm 119:130). But what next?

You have to believe His Word steadfastly, unshakably. Otherwise, all you have is “head knowledge.” I studied four years of theology in a religious-based high school, then four more years of theology at Boston College, but I wasn’t even saved! I did not take God’s Word past simple knowledge and embrace it in heartfelt faith . To me that theology study was primarily intellectual. Jesus expects much more than “head” faith, much more than mere intellectual consent to truth.

Hebrews 4:2, KJV   For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

You can fulfill step one — hearing the Word of God — and still fail God. How? By not believing that Word. Yes, “faith cometh by hearing…the word of God.” But that faith comes only if we hear that Word and believe it, trusting that the God who spoke means what he speaks 100% of the time. Jesus emphasized the importance of believing . It's faith that moves mountains, not just passive mental consent to truth.

Matthew 21:22, KJV   And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing , ye shall receive .

So first we’ve studied and “heard” God’s Word. Now it is vitally important that we believe that the Word is true , and that it applies to us. When we pray, Jesus said, if we believe we shall receive.

Let’s say you’re facing some need, in your life or a loved one’s. You recall a clear promise in God’s Word — for example, that “by [Jesus’] wounds you have been healed ” (1 Peter 2:24). Now believe that as absolutely, infallibly true. Then ask the Lord in prayer for the needed healing , and expect to receive from Him . Why? Because the Son of God promised : “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing , ye shall receive .” The prayer of faith is powerful and effective.

Then don’t waver , don’t let doubt creep in, because the Scripture says:

So we see the first two steps to powerful faith:

1) Hear the Word of God. Faith comes from hearing God’s Word.

2) Believe the Word of God, without doubting or wavering.

That leads us to a third and final key to faith that moves mountains.

2 Corinthians 4:13   It is written: “ I believed; therefore I have spoken .” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak .

The apostle Paul says that you have the “same spirit of faith” as the earlier biblical faith heroes. Like them, take your faith to the next level. Speak it! There is immense power in expressing your faith in spoken words .

Jesus stood before Lazarus’s grave. His friend had been dead four days. Jesus didn’t just hope in His heart for Lazarus’s reviving. No, He “called in a loud voice , ‘Lazarus, come out’ ” (John 11:43). And the dead man came out of the grave.

Mark 11:23, KJV   For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith .

Jesus taught us to speak the word of faith , to “say” what we are asking for, and not to doubt but to believe, and such a faith-speaking believer “shall have whatsoever he saith .” With confidence in God and in the promises of His Word the Bible, speak to the "mountains" in your life, and watch God intervene mightily on your behalf. Faith can move mountains of any size that you're facing.

In sum, the Bible teaches us 3 simple keys to mountain-moving faith:

1) Hear the Word of God. Study it, read it devotionally and hear it preached and taught.

2) Believe God’s Word . Don’t doubt, don’t waver in trusting our “God who cannot lie” (Titus 1:2).

3) Speak God’s Word in faith into the situation you are facing. And, as Jesus promised, you “shall have whatsoever you say.”

Luke 1:26-38 tells the story of the angel Gabriel appearing to the young virgin Mary. He announced that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit (35) and that the child would be the Son of God (32). Mary heard God’s word from the angel. She believed that word (vs. 45, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her”). And she spoke what she believed (38, KJV - "Be it unto me according to thy word”).

Hear —> Believe —> Speak = Faith That Moves Mountains

That kind of faith can move mountains in your life — the obstacles confronting you … the difficult situations you face … strained relationships … perhaps an illness … and a host of other problems you might be facing. Hear God’s Word . Embrace it with sincere, trusting faith . And speak the promises of God’s Word into your situation. Jesus says to the person with that kind of mountain-moving faith, you “shall have whatsoever you say … and believing, you shall receive .”

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Short Essay & Paragraph On Faith For Students

Faith is what enables people to move on when things get difficult and what brings them back to good after bad decisions. It is important to show confidence in yourself and others around you. You never know how far your prayers will go for someone else, even if that person is the most unlikely.

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Paragraph on Topic Faith in Yourself

Just like my family, I’ve always had faith in myself, but it wasn’t there all the time. I’ve often made the wrong decisions: preferring boys to friends; spending time with people who haven’t encouraged me; not doing my homework or homework because I was too busy hanging out with friends, and spending money because I didn’t think about the future.

I was fortunate to have a family who loved me no matter what, and they were always there to pick me up when I fell. They never gave up on me and never lost faith in me.

The Faith paragraph

I think that’s the most important thing about faith; it has to be worked on. You can’t just say “I have faith” and then don’t do anything about it. It is something that you must earn through your actions and prayers . God always listens, and he will help you if you let him.

No matter, what happens in this life, I know that my loved family and I will always have faith in each other, in ourselves, and God. It is something that can never be taken away.

What exactly is this belief? Webster’s dictionary defines it as trust or confidence in a person or thing. In the Bible, faith is described as the certainty of hope, the conviction of things that cannot be seen (Hebrews 11:1). What does it all mean?

To put it simply, to believe is to believe in something that cannot be seen. It is trust in God no matter what happens in your life. It has hope for the future, even when it is difficult. Faith also means being willing to do whatever is necessary to follow Jesus Christ, even if that means making sacrifices.

Faith was everything to me. It was the light at the end of the tunnel in difficult times, and it gave me hope when I didn’t think it would get better. It was also a source of strength when I needed it most. And I know that I am not alone—millions of people around the world believe in God, no matter what their religious beliefs may be.

What does it all mean for you? Well, first and foremost, it means that you are never alone. No matter what happens in this life, you can always turn to God for help . He is always there for you and will never leave you. Second, it means that you should always have hope for the future.

It’s tough right now, but it’s getting better. God has a plan for your life and he will never misdirect you. After all, it means that you should always be ready to do whatever is necessary to follow Jesus Christ. Even if it’s difficult or you have to make some compromises, it will be worth it in the end.

Essay On Faith

Faith can be defined as a belief in something for which there is no proof or evidence. It is often associated with religious beliefs, but it can also refer to a belief in oneself, in others, or in a higher power or purpose. Faith can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and direction, and can also help to provide comfort and security in difficult times.

Faith can also play a significant role in shaping one’s values and actions. For example, religious faith may influence an individual’s views on issues such as morality, social justice, and the environment. Faith can also be a source of inspiration and motivation, encouraging individuals to take positive actions in the world.

However, faith can also be a source of division and conflict. Different individuals and groups may have different beliefs and values, and these differences can lead to disagreements and even violence. It is important for individuals to respect the faith and beliefs of others, even if they do not agree with them.

Faith can be a personal and private matter, and the level of importance placed on it can vary greatly from one person to another. Some people may find that faith plays a central role in their lives, while others may have little or no interest in it. Regardless of the level of importance placed on faith, it can have a profound impact on an individual’s life.

Short essay on faith in God

Faith in God is the belief in the existence of a higher power or supreme being who is responsible for the creation and maintenance of the universe. This belief is central to many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and it can play a significant role in shaping an individual’s values, actions, and worldview.

Believing in God can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning in life, as well as a source of comfort and guidance in times of difficulty. It can also serve as a moral compass, providing individuals with a framework for making ethical and moral decisions. Additionally, believing in God can help individuals to find a sense of belonging and connection with a larger community of believers.

However, faith in God can also be a source of controversy and debate. Some individuals may question the existence of God or reject the idea of a higher power altogether. Additionally, different religions may have different beliefs about the nature of God and how to worship or connect with him, which can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings.

Ultimately, faith in God is a deeply personal and subjective belief that can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. For some, it can provide a sense of hope and peace, while for others it may not be a significant part of their life. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs, it is important to respect and tolerate the diverse perspectives and faith of others.

Short essay on faith can move mountains

The phrase “faith can move mountains” is often used to express the idea that faith can accomplish seemingly impossible tasks and overcome great obstacles. This phrase is rooted in religious and spiritual beliefs, and suggests that faith in a higher power or in oneself can be a powerful force for change and progress.

Faith can provide individuals with the courage and determination to tackle difficult challenges and pursue their goals. It can give people the strength to persevere in the face of adversity, and the belief that they can achieve their dreams. By having faith, individuals can overcome their fear, doubts, and insecurities, and can approach their challenges with a positive attitude and unwavering determination.

Faith can also be a source of inspiration and motivation for others. When individuals have faith in their abilities and in the possibilities of the future, they can inspire and motivate others to do the same. This can create a positive and productive environment, where people work together towards a common goal, encouraged by each other’s faith.

However, faith alone is not enough to move mountains. It must be combined with hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Faith can give you the determination and motivation to keep going, but it is the actions that you take and the effort you put in that will ultimately make the difference.

In summary, faith can be a powerful force that can help individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve great things. It can provide strength, motivation, and inspiration, and can give people the courage and determination to pursue their goals and make a positive impact in the world.

FAQ: On Faith

Q: What is faith?

A: Faith is a belief in something for which there is no proof or evidence. It can be associated with religious beliefs, but it can also refer to a belief in oneself, in others, or in a higher power or purpose.

Q: How can faith shape one’s values and actions?

A: Faith can play a significant role in shaping one’s values and actions. For example, religious faith may influence an individual’s views on issues such as morality, social justice, and the environment. Faith can also be a source of inspiration and motivation.

Q: How can faith be a source of division and conflict?

A: Different individuals and groups may have different beliefs and values, and these differences can lead to disagreements and even violence. It is important for individuals to respect the faith and beliefs of others, even if they do not agree with them.

Q: Is faith important for everyone?

A: The level of importance placed on faith can vary greatly from one person to another. Some people may find that faith plays a central role in their lives, while others may have little or no interest in it.

Q: How can faith impact an individual’s life?

A: Faith can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and direction, and can also help to provide comfort and security in difficult times. It can also have a profound impact on an individual’s life, regardless of the level of importance placed on it.

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Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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Why Doesn’t Our Faith Move Mountains?

Perplexing passages, more by thomas schreiner.

essay on faith can move mountains

Editors’ note : This series analyzes perplexing passages of the Bible. Previously:

  • Dan Doriani on Matthew 24:15–16
  • Miles Van Pelt on Judges 11:29–40
  • Mark Gignilliant on Exodus 4:24–26
  • Jimmy Agan on Matthew 15:26
  • Dennis Johnson on Revelation 21:1
  • Greg Beale on Revelation 13:8
  • Miles Van Pelt on Judges 16:1–3
  • Jack Collins on Psalm 2:7
  • Stephen Dempster on 1 Samuel 28
  • Tremper Longman on Ecclesiastes
  • Ardel Caneday on Hebrews 6:4–8  

Peter tells us Paul wrote some things that are hard to understand (2 Pet. 3:16).

Jesus said some difficult things, too. 

Twice the Lord told his disciples that if they had faith like a mustard seed they could do jaw-dropping things. In Matthew, mustard seed faith is tied to expelling a demon, and Jesus says those who have such faith can move mountains (Matt. 17:20). In Luke, those with mustard seed faith will be able to forgive those who sin against them since such faith can pluck up mulberry trees and cast them into the sea (Luke 17:6). All kinds of questions enter our minds.

What is faith like a mustard seed?

Why doesn’t our faith move mountains?

Are we failing to see great things from God because of our lack of faith?

Faith that Encourages

In the stories recounted in both Matthew and Luke, the disciples long for more faith. Then  they could do great things for God. Then  they could cast out demons and forgive a brother or sister who’s especially annoying. Jesus tells them they don’t need great faith; they need just a little faith. He clearly speaks of a small amount of faith since the mustard seed was the smallest seed known in his day. Jesus also informs his disciples that the kingdom of heaven is as small as a mustard seed (Matt. 13:31).

We’re prone to think if we just had more faith, then God could do amazing things through us. But Jesus tells us something quite astonishing. The issue isn’t whether we are full of faith but whether we have any faith. If we have the smallest amount of faith, God works on our behalf. Jesus stops his disciples short and asks them: Do you believe in me at all? Do you trust God at all?

Why is Jesus’s answer encouraging? Because we don’t get caught in the morass of thinking about whether we have enough faith. When facing a given situation, we call out to God to give us faith—no matter how small. A small amount of faith is sufficient because the focus is not on our faith but its object.

The issue isn’t whether we are  full  of faith but whether we have  any  faith. . . . A small amount of faith is sufficient because the focus is not on our faith but its object.

Why is it true that mustard seed faith can move mountains and uproot mulberry trees? Jesus plainly tells us. It isn’t because of the quantity of our faith but the object of our faith. If our faith is in the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, then it has a great effect. Our faith makes a difference not because it is so great but because  God is so great, because he is the sovereign one who rules over all things. Our faith doesn’t thrive when we think about how much faith we have; it springs up when we behold our God—when we see Jesus as the One crucified and risen for us.

Faith that Stands on Promises

Still, we have questions about this verse. Does our mustard seed faith move mountains and uproot mulberry trees? Do we see this happen today? Are prosperity preachers right in saying that if we had more faith, we wouldn’t get sick and would enjoy the riches of this world?

First, it’s critical to note Jesus is using an illustration. He’s not literally talking about moving mountains and uprooting trees. There’s no example in Scripture of mountains disappearing because someone had faith. Jesus is teaching that stunning things happen if we have faith. The question is, what kind of stunning things should we expect?

Here we must take into account the entire Bible. The old saying is correct: a verse without a context is a pretext. And the context is the whole Bible, which includes reading it in its covenantal and redemptive-historical timeline. We can’t just pluck any verse in the Bible and apply to our lives without considering how it relates to the sweep of Scripture as a whole.

Faith isn’t abstract; we put our faith in the promises of God, in the truth he has revealed. Scripture never promises believers they will be healthy or wealthy. Paul’s thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7–10) was probably a physical disease, and though he prayed three times for deliverance, God said “no.” Similarly, it wasn’t God’s will to heal Paul’s ministry partner Trophimus (2 Tim. 4:20), and it wasn’t because Paul lacked mustard seed faith! Additionally, Timothy wasn’t healed miraculously and instantaneously of stomach ailments, but was told to take wine to settle his indigestion (1 Tim. 5:23). Certainly Paul believed God could heal Timothy, but God had determined he would not be healed. Moreover, Romans 8:35–39 clearly teaches some believers are persecuted, and some suffer from lack of food and clothing. God never promised us a comfortable life.

Faith isn’t abstract; we put our faith in the promises of God, in the truth he’s revealed. Scripture never promises believers they will be healthy or wealthy.

Mountain-moving faith, then, must be based on God’s promises—on what is revealed in his Word—not on what we wish will happen or even fervently believe will happen.

Misguided faith can lead to disaster. In the 1520s, Thomas Muntzer believed he was led by the Holy Spirit to bring in the golden age, and warred alongside the peasants to overturn political power. But Muntzer was inspired by fantasies and died in the revolt he led. He trusted in “spiritual revelations” rather than the written words of Scripture.

We must ask first, then, whether one’s faith is truly based on the Word of God. Otherwise, it rests on the vain imaginations of man.

Faith that Sanctifies

The question remains: What is mountain-moving faith? Notice what Jesus says in Luke: Those who have faith like a mustard seed do great things. They have the faith to forgive brothers and sisters who sin against them repeatedly.

The illustration Jesus provides, then, is enormously helpful. We know it’s God’s will that we forgive those who sin against us. Yet when we’re faced with actually forgiving them, we often struggle because the pain is so severe.

Mustard seed faith, then, is faith that kills works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19–21) and produces the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23). Love, joy, peace, and patience are mountains that can only be climbed by faith; faith, after all, expresses itself in love (Gal. 5:6). Mustard seed faith believes the gospel will go the ends of the earth and triumph over the gates of hell. And the clearest evidence of mustard seed faith is whether you love God and your neighbor.

Our greatest enemies are not outside of us but within. Our greatest foe is the hate and rebellion that overtakes us, and mustard seed faith—because it is placed in Jesus Christ—gives us the victory over our sin.

Yet we are freed from the sin that enslaves when we rely on Christ and not our own strength and works. Mustard seed faith is enormously powerful—not because of our faith, but because it unites us to the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

Are You a Frustrated, Weary Pastor?

essay on faith can move mountains

In ‘You’re Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches,’ seasoned pastors Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture into every aspect of their churches.

We’re delighted to offer this ebook to you for FREE today. Click on this link to get instant access to a resource that will help you cultivate a healthier gospel culture in your church and in yourself.

Thomas Schreiner is the James Buchanan Harrison professor of New Testament interpretation and associate dean for Scripture and interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. You can follow him on Twitter .

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7 Bible Verses about Faith Moving Mountains

Most relevant verses.

And He *said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.

And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.

And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you.

And Jesus *answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.

If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

He *said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.

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  1. write essay on faith can move the mountains with 150 to 200 words

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  2. Faith Can Move Mountains

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  3. Faith Can Move Mountains : 8 Essential Lessons on Faith (Paperback

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  4. Faith In Christ Can Move Mountains In Your Life

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  5. Your faith can move mountains and your doubt can create them

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  6. How to Build Faith that Moves Mountains

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COMMENTS

  1. 3 True Ways Your Faith Can Move Mountains

    We may have faith in and claim His promises for our lives. Here are three ways our Lord moves mountains when we put our faith in Him. 1. Have faith that the Lord will move mountains that are obstacles to your faith. Sometimes one of the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles is that of clinging fast to God.

  2. Faith That Moves Mountains (Mark 11:20-26)

    THE CONTEXT. The Lord's statement about a faith that can move mountains is found in the broader passage of Mark 11:20-26. 1 In turn, these verses are contained in the larger context of 11:12-26. Verses 20-26 form the closing section of an inclusio. Mark 11:12-14 contains the account of Jesus cursing a fig tree.

  3. Can faith really move mountains?

    Their faith, He says, is small and weak. If it were the size of even the smallest of the seeds, the mustard bush, they would be able to "move mountains.". The first thing that needs to be considered is the Bible's use of literary techniques. The Bible is first and foremost God's revealed Word; we want to be clear on this point (2 ...

  4. Faith to Move Mountains: What does it mean & How to Have it

    To have faith that moves mountains you have to (1) receive and understand the word of God, (2) spend much time in prayer, and (3) cast off the cares of this world and seek God's Kingdom first. I cover each one of these steps in extreme detail in multiple other articles, you can find them here: What a Mustard Seed of Faith Means (And How to ...

  5. You Are Meant to Move Mountains

    We are meant to move mountains — to see the impossible occur through the exercise of faith in the omnipotent promises of our sovereign Lord. If we are not seeing mountains move, we are living beneath our means. We are living as paupers when we have millions in our heavenly bank account. Jesus doesn't commend this.

  6. Unlock the Power of Faith: Learn to Move Mountains

    Faith is a central theme throughout the Bible, and one of the most powerful illustrations of faith is found in Jesus' teaching on faith to move mountains. In both Matthew 17:20 and Matthew 21:21-22, Jesus uses the metaphor of moving mountains to describe the incredible potential of faith in the life of a believer.

  7. Your Faith Can Move Mountains

    Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith" (CEV). Faith can move mountains! God has set up the universe in a hierarchy of laws, and the law of faith is actually a higher law than the laws of nature. That's where miracles come in. Because when faith is used, the law of faith goes into practice, and the law of ...

  8. Faith to Move Mountains

    Let's Move Mountains I will be attending next week's World Day of Prayer and pray you will join me. Together, we can celebrate the awesome power of faith and more fully live into Jesus' promise, "For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will ...

  9. What does it mean, believers can move mountains?

    It is this kind of faith that Jesus speaks of when He says believers can move mountains. Faith and Prayer. The metaphor also ties closely to the teachings on the efficacy of prayer. Jesus' statements about moving mountains are often linked with instructions on prayer, emphasizing that faith-filled prayer can yield miraculous results.

  10. Sermon: Moving Mountains with Faith

    In the Matthew passage, Jesus uses "mountain moving faith" to instruct the disciples who failed to defeat demonic forces. In Mark 11:22-25 Jesus addresses the rebellion of Israel and their refusal to embrace the Kingdom of God. The specific context of Mark 11 includes Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and driving the money changers out of ...

  11. Can Faith Really Move Mountains?

    Most of the time our unbelief restricts the manifest power of God in our lives, it is because of our unbelief that we bring little to pass if you have but a grain of true faith, though little as mustard seeds, you shall speak and it shall stand. Note, an active faith can remove mountains, not of itself, but in the form of a divine power engaged ...

  12. Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains

    Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life, 9 even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest. Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary, and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith ...

  13. "how To Build A Faith That Moves Mountains"

    "Without faith it is impossible to please God." The question we each need to ask ourselves is, "Am I living a life that pleases God?" Before we answer that question - I want to talk about the power of faith. Do you know you can move mountains with faith? Listen to these Scriptures. "The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our ...

  14. Faith Can Move Mountains

    Faith Can Move Mountains. 7705. Column by Jonathan Nagy. In 1921, British mountaineer George Mallory set out on an expedition attempting to become the first man to climb to the top of Mount Everest. While the group did not ascend the summit on that first trip, they came close enough to plot a plan for a second journey a year later.

  15. Faith That Moves Mountains: 3 Keys to Mountain-Moving Faith

    But take hope! Faith can move "mountains," and the Scriptures give you 3 simple keys to developing mountain-moving faith. Here they are. 1) Hear — Romans 10:17, KJV So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. NIV: Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

  16. Short Essay & Paragraph On Faith For Students

    Short essay on faith can move mountains. The phrase "faith can move mountains" is often used to express the idea that faith can accomplish seemingly impossible tasks and overcome great obstacles. This phrase is rooted in religious and spiritual beliefs, and suggests that faith in a higher power or in oneself can be a powerful force for ...

  17. Faith Can Move Mountains In The Bible

    In the Gospel of Matthew, 17:14-20, Jesus heals a boy who is possessed by a demon after his disciples failed to caste out the demon. Following this miracle, Jesus explains that even little faith can move mountains. The story of The Healing of a Boy with a Demon in the Gospel of Matthew is relayed differently in Matthew compared to Mark ...

  18. Why Doesn't Our Faith Move Mountains?

    Twice the Lord told his disciples that if they had faith like a mustard seed they could do jaw-dropping things. In Matthew, mustard seed faith is tied to expelling a demon, and Jesus says those who have such faith can move mountains (Matt. 17:20). In Luke, those with mustard seed faith will be able to forgive those who sin against them since ...

  19. 7 Bible Verses about Faith Moving Mountains

    Verse Concepts. And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. Luke 17:6. Verse Concepts. And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed ...

  20. Matthew 17:14-20 NTFE

    New Testament for Everyone. Faith that moves mountains. 14 When they came near the crowd, a man approached and knelt in front of him. 15 "Master," he said, "take pity on my son! He suffers from awful fits which are frightful for him. He often falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they ...

  21. short paragraph on Faith can move …

    Faith can move mountains. I truly believe that, with faith, we are able to achieve more than we can ever imagine. It takes great courage to overcome one's fears and take that leap of faith. It may be difficult to let go of control, but time and time again, I am reminded that God is in control of everything. It is also not easy to step out of ...

  22. Essay on Faith Can Move Mountains!

    Essay Faith can move Mountains. Introduction: Faith communicates with the heart. It is a hope that exists outside of the conscious consciousness. Everything we value is based on our belief in people's potential, which has yet to be realised. The evidence of history suggests otherwise: the world is packed of ugliness, brutality, and injustice.

  23. Matthew 17:20 NIV

    20 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.". Read full chapter. Matthew 17:20 in all English translations.