Mark 11:22-23:
” Jesus answered them, Have faith in God.” Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”
Do you ever wonder if you have enough faith in regards to a prayer request that is burning within your heart? We look at the impossibility and often become discouraged. Our time frame is limited, and there may be smoke screens clouding our thoughts regarding the outcome God can provide. It could be personal fear factors that barge in and we start not feeling safe. Maybe we are suffering from lack of time to properly digest details, one’s approval is attacked, an uncomfortable change takes place where you prefer and relish status quo, or your pattern of perfectionism is not able to engage due diligence. I sometimes wonder if my faith is just too small.
The metaphor of “moving this mountain” was used in Jewish literature for doing what was seemingly impossible through exaggeration. A mountain signified something firm and stationary – immovable. It would seem impossible to move a mountain into the sea, so Jesus used that word picture to illustrate that God can do anything that may appear unfeasible, hopeless, awkward, inconceivable, illogical, and beyond the bounds of possibility if believers merely trust in God.
I smile and find comfort in how the MSG states this section of verses in Mark: “Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for
instance: Just say ‘Go jump into the lake’ – no shuffling or shilly-shallying – and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get everything.”
So what is required when facing anxiety, fears, and burdens that just won’t go away?
- Embrace God’s goodness and sovereignty. One’s faith starts there.
- Trust in God. Desire His will to be done in “getting everything.”
- Prayer is an active conversation, communion, and worship of God. The purpose should be to get God’s will done on earth.
- Wait for God to work. The results are now in His hands.
- Feel like you are in a valley rather than on top of a mountain? That may be just where God wants you to be. Faith and obedience are all that matter rather than focusing on results.
Larry Osborne’s book, “A Contrarian’s Guide to Knowing God. Spirituality For The Rest Of Us” has become one of my favorite books about the Christian life. Regarding “faith” he states: “CONTRARY TO WHAT we’ve been told, most of us don’t need more faith, less doubt, or absolute confidence that everything will work out okay. Jesus simply wants us to act upon the tiny mustard seed of faith we already have. In fact, he said that’s all we need to move a mountain.”
“God’s everything” – submitting to Him in obedience, trusting God to do what He says, as we follow His path for us one day at a time.
What mountain do you need to have thrown into the sea?
Listen to King and Country’s Fight On Fighter (Lyric Video).
ts mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”
Another homerun Linda. I love that song. It’s very powerful. Thank you for always encouraging me.
Thank you Michelle! I love your sensitive heart and encouraging words.