19Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
20He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:19-20)
Thoughts: To incorporate God's power, we would need to have faith in God. Faith is the key that unlocks the door to God's presence. Jesus said that the disciples lack of faith kept them from healing the man. Just because they were believers did not guarantee they were going to succeed. The disciples believed intellectually, but they had a hard time believing (even after seeing all of Jesus' miracles and answered prayers) that God would work through them or that God could or would do this.
Jesus said if they had faith as small as a mustard seed, they could have moved a mountain. The mustard seed was the smallest seed used in Israel's agriculture. Jesus had just talked about the kingdom of God is like a tiny mustard seed that turns into a tree. But they didn't even have that much faith. When we have faith- possibilities happen. Nothing would be impossible for those who have faith. Apart from God we can do nothing. But with faith in Him- nothing is impossible. Specifically, Jesus was talking about doing God's will (not some philosophical idea of the impossible). Today we need that kind of faith and hope- and also the love for God and neighbor that also fuels it. This should inspire in us great courage and boldness. The church in America seems to have grown timid and is shrinking back in effort and outreach. Individual Christians too are less bold. But we should have more courage than anyone- for we have God on our side and nothing is impossible with Him!
Jesus said if they had faith as small as a mustard seed, they could have moved a mountain. The mustard seed was the smallest seed used in Israel's agriculture. Jesus had just talked about the kingdom of God is like a tiny mustard seed that turns into a tree. But they didn't even have that much faith. When we have faith- possibilities happen. Nothing would be impossible for those who have faith. Apart from God we can do nothing. But with faith in Him- nothing is impossible. Specifically, Jesus was talking about doing God's will (not some philosophical idea of the impossible). Today we need that kind of faith and hope- and also the love for God and neighbor that also fuels it. This should inspire in us great courage and boldness. The church in America seems to have grown timid and is shrinking back in effort and outreach. Individual Christians too are less bold. But we should have more courage than anyone- for we have God on our side and nothing is impossible with Him!
Prayer: Lord, help me to believe nothing is impossible, and to go forward with you.
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