March 22nd Devotion

Daily Disciples: Move Mountains
Today's Reading: Exodus 14; Matthew 17

So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. - Matthew 17:20

The word "faith" has numerous definitions and interpretations. From the intellectual to the philosophical to the spiritual, I found myself back at square one trying to understand its meaning to my personal life. If "faith as a mustard seed" can move a mountain, then I want more faith. Can it be that easy? After reading pages of explanations, I seem to make it more complicated, which in turn, dampens my faith. What happens when we really search for true faith?

Paul says in Romans 10 verse 17 that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." It makes sense then that our search for faith must start in God's Word. It is interesting to note that Paul uses the word "hearing" instead of reading. When we read, study and meditate on God's Word, then we begin to hear it, as it penetrates our hearts and minds. To grow in faith, we must grow in the knowledge of God's Word. When we put the Word in our minds every day, we hear it in our thoughts all day long. Another component of faith is found in James Chapter One. James says that our faith will be tested. If we ask for things without having the faith to believe in the answer, then we will deal with doubt and unbelief. James Chapter 5 verse 15 says that "the prayer of faith will save the sick." So, once again we come back to the Word and prayer as being the key components to our growing in faith.

Do you want to move mountains in your life and see God do the impossible? All you need is faith. Sounds easy enough - but is it? For me personally, I have learned that being in God's Word every day puts me in a place of hearing Him more clearly about things on my heart and in my prayers. I find the strength to step out in faith, even when I have nothing tangible to cling to. I have a confidence that is not based on what I know or what has been proven to me. And, every time that I have acted or stepped out in faith, I have seen God do amazing works. Not once have I been disappointed in the Lord; He has always been faithful. I have been disappointed in myself, but not when I have the foundation of Scripture and prayer to guide me in faith. Make it a priority of your day to not only read the Word but also to hear it all day long. Let it guide your prayers and lead your steps. At that point, you just might see those mountains begin to move.