Faith That Moves Mountains

Mustard Seed

“And Jesus rebuked the devil, and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:18–21

When the Power Isn’t There

The scene in Matthew 17 is both sobering and inspiring. A desperate father brings his demon-tormented child to the disciples for help, but they cannot cast the demon out. It must have been frustrating and even embarrassing — after all, these were the same disciples Jesus had previously empowered to cast out unclean spirits (Matthew 10:1). When the child is finally brought to Jesus, the miracle happens instantly. The unclean spirit leaves, the boy is restored, and the father’s hope is renewed. Later, in private, the disciples ask the question we’ve all asked in different ways: “Why couldn’t we do it?”

The Diagnosis: Unbelief

Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat His answer: “Because of your unbelief.”

This is not about how much faith they had, but about the quality of their faith. Faith is not about our own abilities or feelings but about placing unwavering trust in God’s power and promises. Even the tiniest amount — faith like a mustard seed — can move mountains when it’s rooted in God. The disciples had likely fallen into the trap of relying on past experiences rather than present dependence on God. It’s easy to believe that because God used us yesterday, He will automatically use us today — but faith must be fresh, active, and connected to the Source.

The Mustard Seed Principle

The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds in the garden, yet it grows into a plant large enough to shelter birds. Jesus’ point is that it’s not the size of our faith but the greatness of the One in whom we place it.

• A mustard seed-sized faith believes God’s Word is true.

• It acts in obedience, even when the outcome is unseen.

• It perseveres, growing stronger with each step of trust.

When we live with that kind of faith, the “mountains” in our lives — impossible situations, spiritual strongholds, overwhelming obstacles — have no choice but to move.

The Power Connection: Prayer and Fasting

Jesus adds a critical note: “This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”

Some spiritual battles require deeper preparation. Prayer draws us close to God’s heart, aligning our will with His. Fasting humbles us, weakens the flesh, and sharpens our spiritual focus. Together, they prepare us to face battles we cannot win in human strength. Prayer and fasting are not magic rituals; they are disciplines that keep us connected to the true source of power — God Himself.

Living This Out

If we want to see mountains move in our lives and in the lives of others, we must:

1. Examine our faith — Is it in God, or in ourselves?

2. Stay spiritually prepared — Make prayer and fasting part of our lifestyle, not just an emergency measure.

3. Trust God for the impossible — Speak to your “mountain” in faith, believing God will act according to His will.

Final Thought

Jesus’ words remind us that spiritual victories are not about having massive faith but about having genuine faith in a massive God. Mountains still move when mustard seed faith is planted in the soil of prayer, watered with fasting, and rooted in God’s Word.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the amount of faith that you've given me. Your word tells me that "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Now, teach me to depend on You completely and to live a life of prayer and fasting. Help me to see every mountain in my life as an opportunity for Your glory to be revealed. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Scripture: Romans 12:3