Life is full of mountains—challenges that seem immovable, obstacles that appear impossible to overcome, and burdens that weigh heavily on the soul. Sometimes, we stand before these mountains, feeling small, weak, and overwhelmed. But Jesus, in Mark 11:23, reminds us of a profound truth:
"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."
What an incredible promise! Jesus tells us that faith is not just a passive belief but an active force that can move the impossible. When we truly believe—without doubt—our faith aligns with God's power, and He moves on our behalf. But how do we live out this faith? How do we hold onto belief when the mountain doesn’t seem to move?
1. Faith Begins with Trust in God
Faith is not about trusting in our own strength but in God’s. When we put our faith in Him, we acknowledge that He is greater than any problem we face. The mountain may look massive, but God is bigger. The storm may rage, but He is in control.
Consider Abraham, the father of faith. God told him he would be the father of many nations when he and Sarah were old and childless. The situation seemed impossible, but Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God (Romans 4:20).
If Abraham had focused on the impossibility of the situation, he would have given up. But instead, he focused on the faithfulness of God. That is the key: Do not focus on the mountain; focus on the One who moves it.
2. Speak to Your Mountain
Jesus did not say, “Think about the mountain moving” or “Pray about the mountain.” He said, Speak to it. There is power in our words when they are spoken in faith. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue.
When David faced Goliath, he did not just stand in fear. He declared with confidence, "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands" (1 Samuel 17:46). He spoke victory before it happened. His faith was so strong that his words reflected what he believed.
What words are you speaking over your situation? Are you declaring faith, or are you speaking doubt? Instead of saying, “I don’t know how I’ll get through this,” declare, “God will make a way for me.” Instead of saying, “I will never heal,” declare, “By His stripes, I am healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Faith-filled words align us with God’s promises and shift our focus from the problem to the solution.
3. Keep Believing, Even When Nothing Changes
One of the greatest challenges in faith is waiting. Sometimes, we pray and believe, yet nothing seems to happen. This is where perseverance is needed.
Think of the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho. God told the Israelites to march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, after seven times around, the walls would fall. Can you imagine how they felt on day six? Walking in circles, seeing no change, no cracks in the walls—nothing. But they obeyed, they believed, and on the seventh day, the walls crumbled.
Faith is not just about believing once—it’s about continuing to believe, even when nothing seems to change. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Faith is believing before the evidence appears.
4. Faith Requires Action
James 2:17 reminds us that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Faith is not passive—it requires us to step forward, even when we can’t see the full picture.
Peter walked on water because he acted on Jesus’ word. When Jesus said, “Come,” Peter stepped out of the boat. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he did the impossible. But the moment he looked at the wind and waves, fear overtook him, and he began to sink (Matthew 14:29-30).
What step of faith is God asking you to take? Maybe He’s asking you to start a business, write a book, forgive someone, or move in a new direction. Whatever it is, don’t wait until it’s comfortable—step out in faith and trust that God will sustain you.
5. Faith Overcomes Fear and Doubt
Doubt is the enemy of faith. The devil wants us to question God’s promises and focus on our limitations. But Jesus said, “Do not doubt in your heart.” This means we must guard our hearts and minds against fear and negativity.
The Israelites stood at the edge of the Promised Land, but because of fear, they did not enter. Only Joshua and Caleb had faith to believe in God’s promise, and they were the ones who inherited the land. Fear kept an entire generation from receiving what God had for them.
What has fear stolen from you? What dreams, opportunities, or blessings have you missed because of doubt? Today, make the decision to reject fear and stand firm in faith.
6. Remember Past Victories
One of the best ways to strengthen your faith is to remember what God has already done. David defeated Goliath because he remembered how God had helped him defeat the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:37).
Take a moment to reflect on how God has moved in your life before. Has He healed you? Provided for you? Opened doors when there seemed to be no way? If He did it before, He can do it again!
7. Faith is Rooted in God’s Word
Romans 10:17 tells us, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” If we want strong faith, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture. The Bible is full of promises that build our faith and remind us of who God is.
When you feel weak, declare Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
When you feel afraid, hold onto Isaiah 41:10: "Do not fear, for I am with you."
When you need provision, trust Philippians 4:19: "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory."
God’s Word is the foundation of our faith. The more we fill our hearts with it, the stronger our belief becomes.
8. Expect Miracles
When we walk by faith, we should expect God to move. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). Faith is believing that the answer is already on the way.
Throughout the Bible, people who had faith experienced miracles:
- The woman with the issue of blood was healed because of her faith (Mark 5:34).
- Blind Bartimaeus received his sight because he believed (Mark 10:52).
- The centurion’s servant was healed because he had great faith (Matthew 8:13).
God has not changed. He is still the same miracle-working God today!
Conclusion: Keep Believing!
No matter what mountain stands before you today, know this: faith moves mountains. It may not move instantly, but if you hold onto God, keep speaking His promises, and refuse to doubt, you will see His power at work.
Keep believing when it’s hard. Keep believing when the answer seems delayed. Keep believing when others doubt. Because when you have faith, nothing is impossible with God.
Take a step today—speak to your mountain, trust in God’s timing, and watch as He moves in ways beyond your imagination. Faith moves mountains; keep believing!
