God Answers Faith-filled Prayers

Published on May 22, 2023
Category: Behold! | Devotion

Read: Mark 11:19-33

Mark 11:22-24 -“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

God is bigger than any mountain you may face. He answers prayer made in faith.

Jesus had cursed the fig tree which had leaves but no fruit (Mark 11:13). The tree was cursed for its pretense of leaves, not for its lack of fruit. This tree was cursed because it professed to have fruit, but did not. God is displeased when we have the appearance of fruit but not the fruit itself. As they pass by the tree the next day, Peter notes that the tree that Jesus cursed the previous day had withered away. And Jesus explained that this miracle was really a result of prayer made in faith and encouraged His marveling disciples to have this kind of faith.

Mountain was a popular figure of speech for any insurmountable problem. Jesus said as we believe, God can overcome any obstacle. Our God who parted the red sea, and raised Jesus from the dead, is more than able to move any mountain that you and I could encounter. But prayer is to be made in faith and the faith is to be in God, not our feelings, emotions or anything else. It’s crucial to understand that this passage doesn’t mean God is obligated to grant our every request without discernment. It is not about having faith in faith or relying solely on our feelings. True faith is rooted in God’s character and promises. As Wiersbe says, that is not to interpret Mark 11:24 to mean, ‘If you pray hard enough and really believe, God is obligated to answer your prayer no matter what you ask.’ That kind of faith is not faith in God; rather it is nothing but faith in faith, or faith in feelings.”

We pray in faith in a God who is more than able to overcome any obstacle that you and I may face. All things are possible with our God (Matthew 19:26). We pray without doubt and void of unbelief. “Whosoever shall say to this mountain, this Mount of Olives, be removed and cast into the sea. If he has but any word of God, general or particular to build his faith upon, and if he shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he said, according to the warrant he has from what God hath said, shall come to pass, he shall have whatever he said through the strength and power of God in Christ Jesus, the greatest difficulty shall be gotten over and the thing shall be effected.” (Matthew Henry).

Consider the mountains you may be facing today—whether it’s a rebellious child, a challenging relationship, financial struggles, addiction, oppression, or the salvation of a loved one. Instead of being overwhelmed by fear and doubt, turn to the God who is bigger than any mountain. Persist in faith-filled prayer, knowing that He is able to move and overcome the impossible.

Ponder

  1. What areas of my life am I pretending to have fruitfulness but lacking true substance?
  2. Do I truly believe in the power of prayer and have faith that God can overcome any obstacle in my life? Are there any specific promises or words from God’s Word that I can anchor my faith upon when praying for the impossible?
  3. What “mountains” am I currently facing in my life, and how am I responding to them? Am I overwhelmed by fear and doubt, or am I persisting in faith-filled prayer?

Scripture Writing: Matthew 19:26

Song: God is Bigger than Any Mountain

For more daily devotions like this – At the Potter’s Wheel (Kindle)

Author

Preethi Alice Jacob

Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.

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