Moving Mountains: Overcoming Obstacles with Faith and Prayer

You Are Meant to Move Mountains

Do you ever feel like you are facing an insurmountable obstacle in your life? Perhaps you are struggling with a chronic illness, a difficult relationship, or a financial crisis that seems impossible to overcome. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated in these situations, but as a follower of Jesus, you are meant to move mountains.

What Does it Mean to Move Mountains?

The phrase "moving mountains" is often used metaphorically to describe accomplishing something difficult or seemingly impossible. In the Bible, Jesus used this phrase in a literal sense when he said:

"Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen." (Matthew 21:21)

Jesus wasn't just talking about moving a small hill or a pile of rocks. He was talking about moving a literal mountain - something that would have been considered impossible in his time. But he didn't say this just to impress his disciples with his power. He said it to teach them a valuable lesson about faith.

When we have faith in God, we can accomplish things that seem impossible. We can move mountains, both literally and metaphorically. We can overcome our greatest challenges and accomplish things that we never thought possible. But how do we develop this kind of faith?

The Power of Faith

Jesus said that if we have faith and do not doubt, we can move mountains. But what does it mean to have faith? The Bible defines faith as:

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

In other words, faith is believing in something that we cannot see or touch. It's trusting in God's promises even when we can't see how they will be fulfilled. And when we have this kind of faith, we have access to God's power.

Jesus said:

"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. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:22-24)

When we pray in faith, believing that God will answer our prayers, we have access to his power. We can move mountains, both literally and metaphorically. But this kind of faith doesn't come easily. It requires a deep trust in God and a willingness to surrender our own desires and plans to him.

Overcoming Doubt

One of the biggest obstacles to developing faith is doubt. When we face difficult circumstances, it's easy to doubt that God is in control or that he cares about us. We may wonder why he hasn't answered our prayers or why he has allowed us to suffer.

But the Bible assures us that God is always in control and that he cares deeply about us. Jesus said:

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31)

If God cares enough to number the hairs on our head, surely he cares about the challenges we face. And if he is able to control the movements of every sparrow, surely he is able to help us overcome our obstacles.

When we doubt, we need to turn to God's promises in the Bible. We need to remind ourselves of his faithfulness and his power. We need to ask him to help us overcome our doubts and to strengthen our faith.

Practical Steps to Move Mountains

If you are facing an insurmountable obstacle in your life, here are some practical steps you can take to move mountains:

1. Pray in Faith

The first step is to pray in faith, believing that God will answer your prayers. Ask him to help you overcome your doubts and to strengthen your faith. Ask him to give you the wisdom and strength you need to overcome your challenges.

2. Trust in God's Promises

Read the Bible and remind yourself of God's promises. Claim them for yourself and trust that God will fulfill them in your life. Meditate on verses like:

• "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)


• "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)


• "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

3. Surrender Your Will to God

Ask God to help you surrender your will to him. Often, our greatest obstacle is our own desires and plans. We need to be willing to let go of these and trust that God's plans for us are better than our own.

4. Seek Godly Counsel

Seek out wise, godly counsel from friends, family, or a pastor. Sometimes, we need the perspective of others to help us see our situation more clearly and to offer guidance and support.

5. Take Action

Finally, take action. Sometimes, moving mountains requires us to take practical steps towards our goals. Pray for guidance and wisdom, and then take the steps that God leads you to take.

Conclusion

As a follower of Jesus, you are meant to move mountains. You have access to God's power through faith, and you can overcome even the greatest obstacles in your life. But developing this kind of faith requires a deep trust in God and a willingness to surrender your own desires and plans to him.

Pray in faith, trust in God's promises, surrender your will to him, seek godly counsel, and take action. With God's help, you can move mountains and accomplish things that seem impossible. Remember the words of Jesus:

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)