"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 17:20 (NIV)
Browse more Faith & Holy Spirit devotionals to grow in your walk with God. Why does Christ refer to their faith as 'little', yet tells them that even the smallest amount of faith (Mark 4:31, NIV) can move mountains?
It is because the mustard seed, unlike their faith, is alive and growing (Luke 13:19, NIV). At that time, their faith was not yet alive; it was merely a mindset, since Christ had not yet died and risen from the dead.
It became alive at Pentecost—interpreted as the Day of Liberation—when the Holy Spirit descended upon the earth, as recorded in Acts 2:1-4.
The Nature of Faith
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV). The testimonies of those who lived by faith (Hebrews 11:2, 8-10, NKJV) clearly show that they were convinced of things not seen.
However, with the coming of Christ, it is stated, "God having provided something better for us" (Hebrews 11:40, NKJV). This 'substance' is now more than just a belief in unseen things; it is a life within us. Christ in us is evidence of things not seen, as stated in "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27, NKJV).
This hope resides not merely in our minds but lives within our spirits. They hoped for things to come by faith, but 'Christ in us' is the hope of things to come (glory).
The New Testament's concept of "faith" differs from the dictionary definition. It is not just a mindset; rather, it represents a growing life that you receive at the moment of repentance (Matthew 13:23, NIV). This life grows and transforms everything within you (Matthew 13:31-32; Luke 13:21, NIV).
Faith, therefore, is distinct from mere belief; it is the divine life that begins at repentance. If the Tree of Life is growing within you, it will produce fruits such as holiness (see The Ultimate Guide to Holiness), love, kindness, forgiveness, joy, and more (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV).
The Tree of Life within you also has leaves for your blessings (Revelation 22:2, NIV), including healing, deliverance, and prosperity.
If you have genuinely received Christ, then you have received divine life—this life is faith. To have faith in Jesus does not merely mean holding a conviction that you will receive something; it means having Him reside in you.
If you possess that life (the Tree) within you, then the fruits will be "Love," and the signs (leaves) will follow as stated in Mark 16:17-18 (NIV).
The Power within You
Mark 16:17 (NIV) does not say "those who will pray more" or "those who will give financial offerings or sow seeds," but rather, "those who believe in Him." To believe in Him means to be alive in Him (John 1:12, NIV).
All you need is to be a genuine Christian, and you will be able to move mountains in your life and the lives of others (Luke 17:6, NIV). Strengthen this foundation through our guide to prayer and fasting. Renew your mindset and tap into the power that lies within you.
When Faith Becomes Your Power
Fear is loud, as explored in Be Still. It whispers worst-case scenarios, magnifies your doubts, and paints tomorrow in shades of uncertainty. Faith, on the other hand, is quiet—but powerful. It doesn't deny reality; it rises above it. It doesn't eliminate challenges; it equips you to face them.
Fear Will Talk—But God Has the Final Say
Every dream, every calling, every step forward will be challenged by fear.
"What if you don't succeed?" "What if it doesn't work?" "What if you're not enough?"
But faith asks a different question:
"What if it actually works?"
Faith shifts your focus from your limitations to God's endless power. It reminds you that you're not walking alone. When fear tells you to stop, faith encourages you to step forward anyway.
Faith Is Not Blind—It Sees Beyond
Walking by faith doesn't mean ignoring reality. It means seeing beyond it and believing that your current situation isn't your final destination.
Faith sees:
- Possibility in the middle of impossibility
- Purpose in the middle of pain
- Victory in the middle of a struggle
Where fear sees a dead end, faith sees a divine detour.
Something incredible happens when you choose to have faith in God: He becomes your strength.
- God grants you courage when you feel weak.
- God grants you peace amid chaos.
- God provides guidance when life seems uncertain.
You stop reacting to life with anxiety and begin responding with confidence. Not because everything is perfect—but because you trust the One who is.
Faith turns:
- "I can't" into "I will try."
- "It's impossible" into "All things are possible."
- "I'm afraid" into "I am moving forward anyway."
The Battle Is in the Mind
Fear often resides in your thoughts. That's why walking by faith begins with renewing your mind.
Instead of feeding fear:
- Speak life over your situation.
- Declare truth over your doubts.
- Focus on what is possible, not just what is visible.
You may not control every situation, but you can control what you believe about it.
Faith Requires Movement. Even small steps matter. Do not wait for perfect conditions.
You can't walk by faith if you're standing still in fear. So, apply for that opportunity, start that project, take that step you've been avoiding.
Your Story Is Still Being Written
Fear wants you to believe that your story fails. Faith reminds you that your story is still unfolding—and the best chapters are ahead.
No matter where you are right now:
- You are not stuck.
- You are not forgotten.
- You are not powerless.
Claim your freedom from spiritual oppressions in Christ. When you walk by faith, you step into a life where fear no longer controls you—it simply becomes a voice you no longer obey.
And suddenly, what once intimidated you… no longer has power over you.
Because now, you trust God.
Psalm: When Faith Moves, Miracles Follow
I wait on You, O Lord, my Helper! When I am sick, you heal me. When troubles come, you deliver me.
Some trust in chariots; others rely on connections. But I possess something greater: I have Your Name; I carry the Seal of the King on my tongue.
I may have nothing else to offer You, but I give You my life. You live in me, and that is my heavenly currency. With this currency, I will achieve the impossible!
Shepherds may misguide them into sowing seeds (gifts) for blessings, but Christ in me is the true hope of blessings.
Though the mountains surround me, I trust that You will create a path where none appears to exist.
Storms may rage, but you hold the future in your hands. In the tunnel where all hope appears lost, I will look up to You, O God. You will create a path in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
When dark clouds surround me, I can't see what's ahead, and uncertainty fills my life, but I know You have the final say — You are the Alpha and the Omega.
Those who know You are as steadfast as unmovable mountains. You are a protector for those who understand You.
The Lord is my Defender and Fortress of help—my Ebenezer! You say, 'Before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.' Your words are decrees; since You are not a man, You cannot lie!
Jesus lives inside me. I possess the Spirit of Faith. My trust in You remains as strong as Mount Zion. Amen.
Learn more about Pastor Ewang Nelson and Revival Grace Ministry.