Daily Devotion - Matthew 17:19-20 - Enough Faith: Moving Mountains
Are you facing mountains in your life? Moments when it feels like you're standing at the foot of an insurmountable peak, unsure of how to move forward? You're not alone in this struggle—the disciples felt similar frustrations, and they turned to Jesus for answers.
Matthew 17:19-20 (ESV)
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. 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.”
When the disciples asked why they couldn’t cast out that demon, Jesus candidly responded,
“You didn’t have enough faith.” But then, He provided them with a profound truth: even a tiny fragment of faith, likened to a mustard seed, is capable of moving mountains!
The Power of Small Faith
- What is a mustard seed?
- It’s one of the smallest seeds in the world, yet what it grows into—a towering plant—is astonishing.
- This analogy encourages us, reminding us that faith doesn’t need to be colossal; it just needs to be present.
Faith:Your Life-Changing Tool
What does this mean for you? Let’s unpack this incredible principle:
- Faith shapes your reality. It enables us to tackle life’s enormous challenges, guiding our response to each situation with courage and hope.
- Faith strengthens your relationship with God. It draws you nearer to Him, enabling a deeper understanding of His power in your life.
- Faith empowers you to overcome. When we place our trust in God, the heaviness of life becomes more manageable.
A Heart-Centered Faith
Faith is deeply intertwined with our relationship with Jesus. It’s not merely intellectual knowledge of God or about God; it's a heartfelt trust.
- Where does faith reside?
The faith that moves mountains lives in the heart, nurtured by a life influenced by Jesus, His word, and the holy spirit. - What influence does Jesus have in your life?
The more we allow Him to guide our actions and decisions, the stronger our faith becomes. Jesus transforms us from the inside out—changing our perspective and drawing us closer to Him.
Faith That Moves Mountains
So, how much faith do you really have?
- Is your faith enough to speak to the mountains in your life?
- Do you trust that God is willing and able to help you in your struggles?
Jesus guarantees that no miracle is beyond reach when we have faith, however small. But we must also understand this:
- It’s not just about believing in God’s power—it’s about trusting in His willingness to act in your life.
- Consider the challenges before you: Are you buckling under the pressure? Perhaps it’s a time to assess your faith and reaffirm your trust in God’s capability to lift those burdens.
In Ephesians 3:20, we’re reminded:
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
This verse assures us that God can do far more than we can conceive. Our faith should reflect that truth!
Moving Forward with Action
- Identify your mountains. Write down the challenges you feel are too great to conquer.
- Reflect on your faith. Pray and ask God to show you how to strengthen your trust in Him.
- Speak truth over your mountains. Use God’s Word to declare victory over your circumstances, believing that with faith, nothing is impossible.
- Trust in God’s timing. Sometimes, the mountains don’t move as quickly as we desire, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t working on your behalf.
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the incredible gift of faith. Help me to nurture a heart-centered trust in You, even if it’s as small as a mustard seed. Grant me the courage to face my mountains, knowing that with You, nothing is impossible. Strengthen my relationship with You so that my faith may grow and flourish in every situation. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
