For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20b

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells His doubting disciples that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move the very mountain they were standing on. Just imagine that – something as tiny as a speck can accomplish the impossible! But why? It's certainly not because of the size of the faith. It’s because of the greatness of the One in whom our faith is placed.

Here are some mustard seed facts: It’s one of the smallest seeds, almost insignificant in size, 1-2 millimeters in diameter. Yet when it's planted in the right soil, it grows into a sturdy tree up to 30 feet tall with branches spanning up to 20 feet wide; these branches even offer shade and shelter to those around it. 

Our faith placed in the Lord is like that seed. It may begin small, but when it's planted in the fertile soil of God's promises, it will flourish. (Matthew 13:31–32) James reiterates this in his letter, reminding us that when we ask in faith, without doubting, we have access to the limitless power of God. Doubt, on the other hand, makes us like a wave, tossing about in uncertainty and fear. When we anchor ourselves in faith, we find strength in Christ to face whatever comes our way. (James 1:6)

Consider the heroes of faith who believed in God against all odds. Enoch walked so closely with God that he was taken to heaven without experiencing death. Noah, amidst ridicule and doubt, built an ark and survived the flood. The walls of Jericho crumbled at the sound of obedient faith. Lions' mouths were closed for Daniel, and the fiery furnace lost its power over Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. (More examples in Hebrews 11)

If you feel overwhelmed by the mountains in your life, take heart. It's not about having mountains of faith but about trusting in the One who can move the mountains with as little as your mustard seed faith. Truth is, God doesn’t need your faith in order to move the mountains, but He deeply desires it and oftentimes leaves the mountain where it is until you have faith in Him to move it.