The other morning, I awoke with a scripture rolling over in my mind. It is a very familiar scripture found in the New Testament.
For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. (Mk 11:23)
We are all familiar with this scripture, but I wonder how many have successfully removed their mountain today?
Your mountain is likely different from mine. For some, it could be turmoil and strife within a marriage, a relationship that feels fractured and distant. For others, it may involve a deep concern for children who seem to have strayed from God, leaving parents feeling helpless. Perhaps your mountain is the heavy burden of financial instability, with mounting debts that try to steal your peace of mind. It might even be an illness affecting your body or that of a beloved family member.
Each of us faces our own formidable mountain that we must confront and overcome. I am convinced that today, the Lord is speaking to us, encouraging us to rise and tackle our mountains with faith and determination. This is our moment to act, to confront those challenges head-on, and to invoke the Word of God to remove them once and for all.
How do we do that?
- Speak to the mountain – tell it to be removed
- Do not doubt in your heart
- Believe what you say
- Then and only then – it will be done
We can look at many different translations of this verse, and I have, but they all say the same thing. Speak to the mountain. Refuse to doubt. Believe with all your heart and it will be done.
Could it be that simple? Jesus says it is. Scripture tells us it was just that easy for him.
Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. (Mt 21:18-21)
Jesus approached a fig tree, even though it was not the season for it to bear fruit. The tree stood there, devoid of the ripe figs that Jesus expected to see on its branches. With a voice that carried authority, he addressed the tree directly, expressing disappointment at its barrenness. Remarkably, the fig tree responded to his words, illustrating the power and authority he carried in his words. It was a powerful demonstration, showing that even in its unseasonal state, the tree recognized the command bestowed upon it and responded to his authority.
Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. (Luke 10:19)
And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Eph 2:6)
Jesus, endowed with all the authority on earth, chose to pass that same power on to us, those who are in covenant with him. This incredible gift empowers us to accomplish the very things He did during his time on earth. If we embrace this truth with unwavering belief and boldly speak to the mountains— which symbolize the challenges and obstacles—in our lives, we can see transformation and miracles unfold. All it requires is the faith to believe and the courage to act.
Are there mountains in your life today, daunting obstacles that seem to tower over you and your family? These can feel overwhelming, casting shadows over your hopes and dreams. But take heart! Jesus promised that you have the power to confront and remove those mountains. You can boldly speak to them, commanding them to move. Commanding them to be cast into the seas. I encourage you to tap into that God-given power today.
When you speak to your mountain, remember that it’s no match for the Word of God or the incredible power that resides within you. The scripture assures us that “greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world.” No matter how formidable or insurmountable your mountain may seem—whether it’s a personal struggle, a relational issue, or financial hardship—when you declare the authority of God’s truth, that mountain must shift.
The key is to believe wholeheartedly in what you are declaring. Though the change may not occur in the blink of an eye, rest assured that it will happen. We have God’s unwavering promise to hold on to, and with faith, we can see those mountains move.
