Moving Mountains

My husband and I have been praying and trusting God to do some big things within our family and home. This past week we witnessed some prayers slowly being answered as we watched land being cleared and trees being cut down. We did not mind cutting down the tall, flimsy pine trees that bend in the wind. However, we did not want to cut down the large oaks. They are strong, have been there for years, have deep root systems, are simply beautiful, and provide so much shade. They have a purpose for staying.

In our scriptures today, I want to back up to the beginning of Mark 11. It’s the week before Jesus’ Crucifixion. Jesus had his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the next day while returning to Jerusalem from Bethany, Jesus and his disciples were hungry. They came upon a fig tree that had leaves. When fig trees have leaves, their fruit can come in before the leaves are fully developed but definitely there should be fruit on it when the leaves are grown. The tree had no fruit and Jesus cursed the tree. It was not producing fruit.

When walking by the fig tree the next day, it had withered. It should have taken weeks to die but it had withered from the roots up. Peter was not expecting to see this and questioned Jesus and Jesus replied, “Have faith in God.” There are lots in the Old Testament that connects fig trees, Israel, and symbolism. But, today I want us to focus on those four words - have faith in God.

Who is God to you? Really, think about that right now. Who do you believe God is? Is he King of Kings deserving of worship and praise? Is he Lord of All, Creator of the Universe, Alpha and Omega, Healer, Provider, Friend, or Father? Do we pray with the faith that we believe in a God who can throw the mountains into the sea? Are our roots of faith like the oak trees?

Prayer is a spiritual discipline and for some can be one of the hardest to put into practice. Satan definitely will try everything to keep us from meeting with God. As a Mom of two, I can get so easily distracted and I’m often interrupted in pursuing time with God. However, we know James 5:16 tells us the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
 
Prayer moves mountains, it purifies our hearts, and as we commune with God, fruit is produced and our roots are strengthened. Have faith in God, don’t be like the Jewish people. Their “fig trees” looked fruit producing but were not. They would be destroyed. 

Write your prayers down. This is just between you and God. Maybe start with prayers God has answered in your life and thank Him for those. Maybe you’re like the fig tree and are doing all the “right” things but you don’t know how to pray and grow deep roots. Ask God to draw near to you and begin to seek him.

Next, write down some God-sized prayers, things only God can do. Examine who you believe God to be and pray with that boldness. Share one of those prayers with someone and allow them the opportunity to join you in that prayer.

Father, grow our faith. May we cling to what scripture says you are and may we pray like we believe it’s true. Father, remove anything from us that distracts us from meeting with you and believing in your promises. Forgive us when we limit what you can do. Give us the faith as big as the God we serve. Amen.