Devotion for May 19, 2023

“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, 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 17:20)

Paul writes, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for” (Hebrews 11:1). Observe the words “now faith”. Thank God for the faith of our fathers, but to move the mountain that stands in your way, you need “now faith”. Jesus said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move … and it will move’” (Matthew 17:20). Your grandmother’s faith may have moved her mountain, but it’s going to take your own faith to move “this mountain”. We all have mountains in our lives, and God is willing to move them. So what’s the problem? Doubt! Other people’s opinions! Failure to understand God’s Word!

Even though Jesus gave His disciples power to heal the sick, they were rendered helpless by a demon-possessed boy. “‘Why could we not cast the spirit out of him?’ they asked” (see Matthew 17:19). Notice what Jesus told them:

  1. Be willing to start small. A tiny “mustard seed” can grow into something much bigger. So start where you are and believe God for ordinary, everyday things, and when He honors your faith, thank Him and build on it.
  2. Watch what you say. “If you have faith … you will say to this mountain, ‘Move … and it will move.’” Your words release the life-giving force of God’s Word. So line up what comes out of your mouth with what’s written in Scripture.
  3. Be willing to do what’s needed. Some mountains need a little extra prayer, or in the case of this demon-possessed boy, the power that comes through fasting.

The bottom line is this: Pray daily for God to assist you with mountain climbing and or mountain moving in your life.

Prayer

Lord, strengthen my faith in my daily walk with You. Let my belief in what You can do overpower my unbelief in myself or those things around me. I ask You to use me so that I will magnify Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Stay encouraged!

Pastor Mike

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