Two-minute read.
For the past few days, we’ve seen Jesus judge people based on their faith. Although the money changers in the temple appeared holy, they didn’t have hearts aligned with the Lord, as evidenced by their lack of fruit. The fig tree symbolized their spiritual emptiness, with luscious leaves that offered nothing. But now, the Savior changes from judgment to instruction, telling us what true faith can do: move mountains. When we place our faith in the true God and trust Him, we can speak to mountains, and they will move.
Jewish faith used the phrase “move a mountain” to mean removing what seems impossible, anything from massive obstacles to entrenched systems and spiritual strongholds. Jesus addressed the temple system that would soon pass away. When we trust the Lord, and the Lord alone, what looks immovable becomes movable. We have access to the authority that withered the fig tree, and He invites us to pray boldly. The solution to the fig that had leaves but no fruit and the temple that had activity but no prayer comes from faith-filled prayer to the Savior. We must have whole-hearted dependence on Christ.
“Does not doubt in their heart” means complete loyalty to God. We can’t trust the Lord and self; we must rely solely on the Creator. Speaking to a mountain in my life, I’ve done everything I can to move it, and now I must rely on God. And I don’t know whether He will move the mountain, or has other plans, only time will tell. But I have no doubt the Lord can move the massive obstacle. Praying boldly, I’ve asked God to work a miracle and stop the manmade corruption. Without a doubt, I know the Lord will, in His time and way.
Bold prayers require bold faith. We must believe with conviction that God can make the impossible possible. Faith-filled prayers from a heart dependent on Christ cause mountains to move. When we allow the Lord to search our hearts, illuminating selfish desires, He purifies us. By shining light on the dark areas, we can give them to the Savior and allow Him to cleanse us. Purified hearts, dedicated to Jesus, move mountains with their prayers.
When speaking to mountains, ask the Lord to search your heart and purify it. Give God your entire heart, aligning it with His desires. When you do, mountains will begin to move. Pray boldly and expectantly when you pray in agreement with the Savior.
Journal Questions:
What “mountain” feels immovable?
Do you have a division in your heart between God’s will and yours?
How can you align your heart with God’s will today?
Application:
Name your “mountain” out loud in prayer. Declare God’s authority over it.
