"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Faith is not merely believing that God exists—it's trusting Him so completely that we're willing to step into the unknown, knowing He will catch us. Today, let's explore how this kind of faith releases God's power in our lives.
Faith That Sees the Invisible
The writer of Hebrews tells us that faith gives us "assurance about what we do not see." This doesn't mean faith is blind or irrational. Rather, faith sees with spiritual eyes what physical eyes cannot perceive. It sees God's promises as more real than present circumstances.
Consider Abraham, who "against all hope...in hope believed" (Romans 4:18). When God promised him a son, Abraham was nearly 100 years old, and Sarah was barren. Every natural circumstance screamed "impossible!" Yet Abraham chose to believe God's word over his circumstances. His faith literally gave birth to a nation.
When Mountains Won't Move
Jesus said, "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 17:20).
But what happens when we pray in faith and the mountain remains? Does this mean our faith is defective? Not necessarily. Sometimes God moves the mountain. Sometimes He gives us strength to climb it. And sometimes He uses the mountain to teach us lessons we could learn no other way.
The power of faith isn't in getting God to do what we want—it's in aligning our hearts with His will and trusting His wisdom when His ways differ from our wishes.
Faith in Action
James reminds us that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17). True faith always produces action. Consider these biblical examples:
Noah's Faith Built an Ark
Noah spent decades building a massive boat in a land that had possibly never seen rain. His faith wasn't passive—it picked up tools and went to work, even when neighbors mocked and circumstances seemed absurd.
David's Faith Faced a Giant
When David faced Goliath, he didn't just pray and wait for God to strike the giant down. His faith picked up five smooth stones and ran toward the battle. Faith gave him courage, but he still had to throw the stone.
The Woman's Faith Touched Jesus
The woman with the issue of blood didn't just believe Jesus could heal her—she pushed through the crowd to touch His garment. Her faith moved her to action, and her action released God's power.
Cultivating Powerful Faith
How can we develop faith that moves mountains? Here are practical steps:
1. Feed Your Faith with God's Word
"Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the stronger our faith grows. God's Word shows us His character, His promises, and His faithfulness throughout history.
2. Remember Past Faithfulness
Keep a journal of answered prayers and times God has come through for you. When facing new challenges, review these testimonies. They serve as "stones of remembrance" that strengthen faith for current battles.
3. Act on What You Believe
Faith requires risk. It means tithing when finances are tight, forgiving when you've been deeply hurt, or stepping into ministry when you feel inadequate. Each act of faith strengthens your spiritual muscles for bigger challenges ahead.
4. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled People
Faith is contagious. When we're around people who trust God boldly, their faith encourages ours. Conversely, doubt and cynicism can weaken our faith. Choose your inner circle wisely.
Faith for Today's Challenges
What impossible situation are you facing today? Perhaps it's:
- A medical diagnosis that seems hopeless
- A relationship that appears beyond repair
- A financial mountain that looks unmovable
- A calling that feels too big for your abilities
- A habit or addiction that seems unbreakable
Whatever your "impossible" is, remember that you serve the God who specializes in impossibilities. He parts seas, raises the dead, and transforms hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. Your situation is not too hard for Him.
A Prayer for Mountain-Moving Faith
Lord Jesus, I confess that sometimes my faith feels smaller than a mustard seed. Circumstances loom large, and Your promises seem distant. But I choose today to trust You.
Increase my faith, Lord. Help me to see with spiritual eyes what You're doing behind the scenes. Give me courage to act on what I believe, even when I'm afraid. Remind me of Your faithfulness in the past, and help me trust You for the future.
I bring my impossible situation to You now, believing that nothing is too hard for You. Whether You move this mountain, help me climb it, or use it for Your glory, I trust Your perfect will.
In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What "impossible" situation in your life requires mountain-moving faith right now?
- How has God proven faithful in your past that can encourage your faith today?
- What specific action is God calling you to take as an expression of your faith?
- Who in your life demonstrates strong faith that you can learn from?
Today's Challenge
Identify one area where God is calling you to exercise faith. Take one concrete action today—no matter how small—that demonstrates your trust in Him. It might be making that phone call, sending that application, offering that forgiveness, or taking that first step of obedience. Let your faith move from belief to action.
Faith Declaration
I declare that my faith is growing stronger every day. I choose to trust God's promises over my circumstances. I believe that nothing is impossible with God, and I will act on what I believe. Mountains will move, chains will break, and God's power will be displayed in my life for His glory. This I declare in Jesus' name!
Additional Scripture Reading
- Mark 11:22-24 - "Have faith in God...whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we live by faith, not by sight."
- Ephesians 2:8 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
- 1 John 5:4 - "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith."
