FAITH THAT MOVES MOUNTAINS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 17:14-21
Key Verse: “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.” (Matthew 17:20)
Supporting Texts: Mark 11:22-24, Hebrews 11:1, James 1:6-8, Luke 1:37, Philippians 4:13
Description: This study teaches believers about the power of genuine faith, the dangers of unbelief, and how steadfast trust in God can overcome impossible situations and spiritual obstacles.
INTRODUCTION
Matthew chapter 17 records the story of a father who brought his demon-oppressed son to the disciples of Jesus for deliverance, but they could not help him. When Jesus arrived, He rebuked the demon, and the boy was healed instantly. Later, the disciples privately asked Jesus why they had failed, and Jesus answered: “Because of your unbelief.”
Jesus then taught them the extraordinary power of faith, declaring that even faith as small as a mustard seed could move mountains and make the impossible possible. This statement reveals that victory in the Christian life does not depend merely upon human strength, ability, or resources, but upon genuine faith in God.
Mountains symbolise obstacles, impossibilities, spiritual opposition, trials, fears, and challenges that seem too difficult to overcome. Yet Jesus assured believers that faith connected to God’s power can overcome every barrier.
In a world filled with uncertainty and difficulties, believers must learn to walk by faith and trust God completely regardless of visible circumstances.
1. UNBELIEF HINDERS SPIRITUAL VICTORY
Doubt and unbelief weaken spiritual effectiveness and confidence in God.
a) Jesus told the disciples their failure was caused by unbelief (Matthew 17:20)
Lack of faith prevented them from operating effectively in spiritual authority and power.
b) Unbelief limits spiritual growth and breakthrough (James 1:6-8)
A doubtful and unstable heart struggles to receive fully from God.
c) Fear and visible circumstances often feed unbelief (Numbers 13:31-33)
The Israelites focused on giants and obstacles rather than God’s promises and power.
d) Faith requires trusting God beyond natural understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Believers must rely upon God’s ability even when situations appear impossible.
Biblical Example:
Peter walked on water by faith initially, but when he focused on the storm instead of Jesus, fear and doubt caused him to begin sinking (Matthew 14:28-31).
2. TRUE FAITH DEPENDS UPON GOD’S POWER
Faith is confidence in God’s ability and faithfulness.
a) Jesus taught that even mustard-seed faith carries great power (Matthew 17:20)
Genuine faith may begin small, yet it produces mighty results when placed in God.
b) Faith believes that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37)
God’s power is not limited by human weakness, circumstances, or impossibility.
c) Faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith confidently trusts God’s promises before physical evidence appears.
d) Faith grows through hearing and believing God’s Word (Romans 10:17)
Regular meditation upon Scripture strengthens spiritual confidence and trust.
Biblical Example:
Abraham believed God’s promise concerning Isaac despite old age and impossible circumstances, and God fulfilled His Word faithfully (Romans 4:18-21).
3. FAITH SPEAKS AND ACTS WITH CONFIDENCE
Active faith responds boldly to challenges and obstacles.
a) Jesus said believers could speak to mountains (Matthew 17:20)
Faith exercises spiritual authority through confident trust in God’s promises.
b) Faith requires corresponding action and obedience (James 2:17)
Genuine faith is demonstrated through action, perseverance, and obedience to God.
c) Confession aligned with God’s Word strengthens faith (Mark 11:23)
Speaking God’s promises builds confidence and reinforces spiritual authority.
d) Persistent faith refuses to surrender during delays or difficulties (Luke 18:1)
Faith continues trusting God even when answers do not come immediately.
Biblical Example:
David confronted Goliath boldly because he trusted completely in God’s power rather than human strength or military ability (1 Samuel 17:45-50).
4. PRAYER AND SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE STRENGTHEN FAITH
A strong spiritual life sustains victorious faith.
a) Jesus mentioned prayer and fasting concerning spiritual victory (Matthew 17:21)
Certain spiritual battles require deeper consecration, dependence, and spiritual discipline.
b) Prayer strengthens fellowship and dependence upon God (Jeremiah 33:3)
Through prayer, believers receive wisdom, strength, and spiritual empowerment.
c) Fasting helps believers focus spiritually and weaken fleshly distractions (Isaiah 58:6)
Spiritual discipline sharpens sensitivity to God’s voice and power.
d) Continual fellowship with God produces enduring faith and confidence (Jude 1:20)
Strong faith develops through consistent spiritual growth and intimacy with God.
Biblical Example:
Elijah prayed fervently with unwavering faith, and God responded by sending rain after a prolonged drought (1 Kings 18:41-45).
CONCLUSION
Faith that moves mountains is not based upon human ability but upon complete trust in God’s power and faithfulness. Jesus taught that even small genuine faith can overcome impossible obstacles and release divine intervention.
Believers must guard against unbelief, strengthen their faith through God’s Word, practise prayer and spiritual discipline, and continue trusting God regardless of visible circumstances.
No mountain is too great when faith is anchored firmly in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, strengthen my faith to overcome every mountain before me in Jesus name
2. Father, remove every spirit of doubt, fear, and unbelief from my life in Jesus name
3. Lord, help me to trust You completely in every situation in Jesus name
4. Father, increase my confidence in Your power and promises in Jesus name
5. Lord, let every mountain of limitation and impossibility be removed in Jesus name
6. Father, teach me to walk daily by faith and not by sight in Jesus name
7. Lord, strengthen my prayer life and spiritual discipline in Jesus name
8. Father, help me to remain steadfast and persistent in faith in Jesus name
9. Lord, let Your Word continually build and strengthen my faith in Jesus name
10. Father, make my life a testimony of victorious faith and divine intervention in Jesus name
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. Every mountain standing before your progress shall be removed by the power of God!
2. Your faith shall rise above fear, doubt, and impossibility!
3. Every spirit of unbelief assigned against your destiny shall be destroyed!
4. The Lord shall strengthen your confidence and trust in Him daily!
5. You shall experience supernatural breakthroughs and divine intervention!
6. Every limitation and closed door before you shall open by faith!
7. Your prayer life and spiritual strength shall increase continually!
8. The Word of God shall produce boldness, victory, and stability within you!
9. You shall walk in signs, testimonies, and manifestations of God’s power!
10. Nothing shall be impossible unto you as you continue walking by faith in Jesus’ name!
