How can we strengthen our faith to overcome obstacles as taught in Matthew 17? Recall the Scene in Matthew 17:19–21 “Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ ” (Matthew 17:19) • They had just watched Jesus cast out a stubborn demon they could not budge. • Jesus answered, “Because you have so little faith… if you have faith the size of a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you” (v. 20). • Some manuscripts add, “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (v. 21), underscoring dependence on God. What This Teaches About Faith • Faith is measurable—there can be “little” or “great” faith (Matthew 8:10). • Even tiny, genuine faith taps into God’s limitless power. • Obstacles yield not to technique but to wholehearted reliance on the Lord. • Prayer (and fasting) positions the heart to receive and release God’s authority. Practical Ways to Strengthen Mustard-Seed Faith 1. Feed on Scripture daily – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). – Read, memorize, and speak the Word aloud; truth uproots doubt. 2. Pray with expectancy – Jesus’ example shows prayer is the conduit of power (Mark 9:29). – Approach God “believing that you will receive” (Mark 11:24). 3. Fast to sharpen focus – Fasting quiets the flesh, heightens spiritual sensitivity, and declares dependence on God alone. 4. Obey promptly – Faith grows when we act on what we already know (James 2:22). – Small steps of obedience prepare us for larger mountains. 5. Guard the mind – “Take up the shield of faith” to extinguish fiery darts of doubt (Ephesians 6:16). – Replace worry with promises such as Philippians 4:19. 6. Engage in fellowship – Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). – Testimonies of answered prayer stir confidence that God will do it again. 7. Remember past victories – Rehearse times God has moved before (1 Samuel 17:37). – Gratitude fuels fresh faith for current challenges. Supporting Passages That Echo the Lesson • Hebrews 11:6 — Without faith it is impossible to please God. • Luke 17:5–6 — The apostles ask, “Increase our faith,” and Jesus again points to mustard-seed faith. • James 1:6–8 — Doubt makes us unstable; single-minded trust receives. • 1 John 5:4 — “This is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.” Living It Out Keep your Bible open, your knees bent, and your eyes fixed on Jesus. Welcome every obstacle as a fresh arena for God to display His power. As you consistently sow Scripture, prayer, obedience, and fellowship into your life, your faith will mature—ready to speak to mountains and watch them move. |
    |