“Mustard Seed Faith: What Jesus Really Meant About Moving Mountains”

“Prayer isn’t about getting what you want. It’s about wanting what God wants for you. ”That revelation changed how I approach faith, prayer, and fasting. A week ago, I wasn’t ready to preach this message—but God had other plans.

1. From Mountaintop to Valley: The Christian’s Daily Contrast

Jesus had just been transfigured before Peter, James, and John—a high point of glory. Yet, as they descended the mountain, they entered a scene of demonic torment and human helplessness. That’s the picture of Christian life: moments of intimacy with God followed by real-world struggles.

2. A Father’s Desperation & Jesus' Call: “Bring Him to Me”

The man’s cry for his son reveals the journey of every believer:

• Jesus came down to us first.

• We respond in faith.

• We call him “Lord” and ask for mercy, not based on what we’ve earned, but based on who He is.

“Have mercy” are Jesus’s favorite words. He always responds with mercy.

3. Why Couldn’t the Disciples Heal Him?

Jesus’ words cut deep: “Because of your unbelief.” Despite past victories, the disciples failed when Jesus wasn’t physically present. But Jesus was preparing them—and us—for a life empowered not by proximity but by the Holy Spirit.

4. When Your Faith Feels Small: Wrestling With Prayer

I wrestled with God, listing all the promises around prayer and wondering, “Why aren’t my prayers moving mountains?” Then came the insight: prayer is not about my desires—but aligning myself with God's.

"Spoiled children get everything they want. God wants mature children who want what He wants."

5. The Role of Fasting: Fuel for Maturing Faith

Jesus never commanded fasting—but He affirmed it. Fasting is not a tool to twist God’s arm. It’s how we show we desire the spiritual more than the physical. It's a sign of wanting God’s will more than lunch.

6. Jesus, the Tax, and Foregoing Rights

Why did Jesus pay the temple tax if He was exempt? To avoid unnecessary offense and accomplish God’s will.

Sometimes faith means laying down your rights for the sake of the gospel.

We too are called to live lives of intentional humility, even when we’re in the right.

7. Final Challenge: Help My Unbelief

Jesus honors even the smallest faith—but invites us to grow. If you're stuck in unbelief or half-belief, echo the prayer of the desperate father:

“Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”