If you have the faith of a mustard seed, you will say to the mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you!
- Matthew 17:20
Have you ever seen how tiny a seed is?
It’s so small, and yet, God’s Word tells us that a little faith (as small as a seed) will move one of the most significant things on the planet—a mountain!
What does that tell us about our Lord and Savior? He desires our belief and trust, and He is mighty and powerful.
Life is difficult. It is full of opportunities to trust the Lord. We each have struggles, hardships, trials, and uncertainties.
However, God is trustworthy, loving, powerful, and always available. We can believe Him to do what needs to be done.
He will meet our needs and work through the things in our lives that seem like mountains to us.
How is that possible? Because when we trust God and look to Him, our situation becomes less critical, and He becomes more important.
Our pain serves a purpose.
Every trial we face strengthens us so that we are better prepared for life’s challenges.
Through each challenge, God grows our faith.
And that faith produces a depth in our character.
Out of that pain and suffering springs forth goodness, joy, hope, and blessing.
Prayer: God, I can’t see anything but the mountains today! Please help me to see you. I trust you and believe in you. Amen.
With Love,
Sherry Shepherd
The mountains in our lives often seem bigger than our faith. Yet Jesus teaches that even a small amount of genuine trust in God can make an extraordinary difference. Take a few moments to reflect on where God may be inviting you to trust Him more fully and where He is already at work in ways you may not yet see.
Journal & Reflect
- What "mountain" am I facing in this season of life?
- Where have I allowed fear or doubt to overshadow my faith?
- How have I seen God work through small acts of faith in the past?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 17:20 mean?
Jesus teaches that faith's effectiveness is not determined by its size but by its object. Even a small amount of genuine faith in God can accomplish what seems impossible through His power.
What is the significance of the mustard seed?
The mustard seed was one of the smallest seeds known to Jesus' audience. It illustrates how God can use even small beginnings to produce significant results.
Does this verse mean Christians can do anything they want?
No. Jesus is encouraging believers to trust God's power and purposes. Faith works in alignment with God's will, not merely personal desires.
How can I grow my faith?
Faith grows through prayer, studying God's Word, remembering His faithfulness, and taking small steps of obedience even when the outcome is uncertain.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me that faith is not about having all the answers or feeling completely confident. Thank You that even small faith placed in a great God can make a difference. Help me trust You with the mountains in my life and believe that You are working even when I cannot see it. Strengthen my faith, quiet my fears, and give me courage to take the next step You are calling me to take. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Message from Kara
I think many of us wish we had bigger faith, stronger faith, or more certain faith. But Jesus didn't say we needed mountain-sized faith—He said faith as small as a mustard seed.
That truth encourages me every time I read it. God isn't asking us to be fearless or perfect. He's simply asking us to trust Him with what we have today.
If you're facing a mountain right now, I hope you'll remember that God's power is always greater than the obstacle in front of you. Keep taking small steps of faith. He is faithful to meet you there.
Cheering you on,
Kara
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
👉 Explore Personalized Scripture Products at www.papersunday.com
Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Sharon's Monarch Personalized Scripture Journal
If you want to grow deeper in your daily life and reflection, these devotionals can help:
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