Mark 11:20–25 (ESV): 20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

The day prior Jesus had cursed a fig tree for not bearing fruit and now they see the tree withered away and the disciples marvel at the event. Jesus then encourages them that they can do the same and more through prayer and faith. Yet so many times the disciples and I believe we too approach the mountains in our lives with a “Humph, just what I expected!” 

We harbor in our hearts resentment of our circumstances and anger at those who have hurt us. So when we pray, we really do not believe anything life changing is going to happen. Yet Jesus reminds us to be perfect like our Father in heaven is perfect. Begin with a heart of gratitude and forgive those who have wronged you. Believe that all things are possible with God. Then pray that God will either move the mountains that are before you or move you to overtake the mountains. Our resentment and anger are the bigger obstacles that stand in the way. Lower these mountains and others will fall before you.

Pastor Aaron