Mountain Moving Faith
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, faith can sometimes feel like a distant concept, something reserved for ancient scriptures and spiritual leaders. Yet, the teachings of Jesus, particularly those found in Mark 11:22-24, remind us of the transformative power of faith in our daily lives. This blog explores these verses, shedding light on how we can apply these profound truths today.
The Power of Faith
"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God." Mark 11:22 KJV
Faith, at its core, is trust. Jesus begins his teaching by urging his disciples to have faith in God or as some translations read the God kind of faith. This isn't just about believing in God's existence but having a deep, confident trust in His power and promises. This type of faith isn't passive; it's an active, living trust that shapes how we see the world and respond to challenges.
Speaking to Mountains
“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.” Mark 11:23 KJV
Jesus uses the metaphor of a mountain to illustrate the seemingly insurmountable obstacles we face. By speaking to these mountains—our fears, doubts, and challenges—with faith, we can command them to move. This isn't about literal mountains but about the power of words and belief. When we speak with faith, rooted in God's promises, we align ourselves with His will, making the impossible possible.
Praying with Belief
“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24 KJV
Prayer is a powerful tool in the life of a believer. Effective prayer is grounded in belief. When we pray, we must believe that we have already received what we are asking for. This doesn't mean treating God like a genie granting wishes but trusting that He hears and answers our prayers according to His perfect will which will always align with His word. Faith-filled prayer is about aligning our desires with God's purposes, confident that He will act.
The Assurance of Faith
“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].” Hebrews 11:1 AMP
This verse from Hebrews defines faith as the assurance and conviction of things we hope for but cannot see. Faith acts like a title deed, a legal document that guarantees ownership of what is hoped for, even though it isn't visible yet. It's a confirmation, a divine guarantee that what God has promised is already ours.
Illustration
Imagine a farmer who plants seeds in the ground. The farmer has faith that these seeds will grow into crops. Even though the seeds are buried and invisible, the farmer waters and tends the soil with the confident expectation (assurance) that they will sprout and produce a harvest. The farmer's actions demonstrate his belief in the unseen process of growth, serving as evidence of his faith in the future harvest.
Calling Things into Existence
“As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed." Romans 4:17 AMPC
In Romans 4:17, Paul refers to God's promise to Abraham, highlighting the power of speaking things into existence through faith. Just as God spoke life into the dead and called into existence things that did not yet exist, believers are encouraged to have the same unwavering faith. This principle reinforces Jesus' teaching in Mark 11:23 about commanding mountains to move. It's about believing in God's power to bring about what He has promised, even if it hasn't materialized yet.
Overcoming Doubt
Doubt is a natural part of the human experience, but it can undermine our faith. In Mark 11:23, Jesus specifically addresses the need to not doubt in our hearts. Doubt in the heart is different from intellectual questions or uncertainties. It's a deep-seated skepticism about God's character or His willingness to act. Overcoming this doubt requires immersing ourselves in God's Word, reminding ourselves of His past faithfulness, and choosing to trust Him despite our fears.
Living by Faith
Faith is not just about miraculous events or answered prayers; it's a way of life. Believers are encouraged to make faith an integral part of their daily existence. This means trusting God in every aspect of life, from the mundane to the monumental. By cultivating a habit of faith, we become more attuned to God's presence and power in our lives.
Conclusion
"Faith that Moves Mountains” is a call to deepen our faith and trust in God. It's a reminder that the same power that Jesus spoke of is available to us today. By embracing these teachings, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that our faith can indeed move mountains.
Whether you're facing a difficult situation or simply seeking to grow in your spiritual journey, these verses offer profound insights and encouragement. Let this exploration of Mark 11:22-24 inspire you to live a life marked by unwavering faith and trust in God's promises.
References
(New Living Translation Bible, 1996)
(New King James Version, 1982)
(Amplified Classic 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987, 2015)