Faith that moves mountains comes by prayer and fasting. Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 17:21: “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Here’s the scene: In Matthew 17:14, the disciples faced a demon-possessed boy they couldn’t heal. They were perplexed — confused, maybe even embarrassed. After all, just a few chapters earlier in Matthew 10:1, Jesus had given them authority to cast out demons. Yet here, they found themselves powerless.
This failure came right after Peter, James, and John had witnessed Jesus’ glorious transfiguration — a high moment followed by a humbling one.
Privately, the disciples asked Jesus why they had failed.
His answer cut deeper than any technique or ritual: “Because of your unbelief.” (Matthew 17:20)
Jesus went on to explain that certain breakthroughs — certain “mountains” in our lives — require more than casual prayers. They require a faith forged and strengthened through prayer and fasting.
Not because God withholds His power — but because our hearts are often not fully positioned to receive and release it.
Let me be clear: Prayer and fasting do not earn us miracles. They align our hearts with God’s will. They clear away the noise, quiet our fears, and sharpen our trust.
Through prayer, we commune with God. Through fasting, we humble ourselves, declaring: Your strength, not mine, Lord.
Unbelief isn’t always loud. Sometimes it sneaks in quietly — showing up as self-reliance, fear, or hidden doubt. Jesus invites us into a deeper dependency: a faith that isn’t shaken by obstacles, but anchored in His presence.
Beloved brothers and sisters, today, ask yourself: Is there a situation in my life where my unbelief is greater than my faith? Am I willing to slow down, pray, fast, and let God build something deeper in me — a faith strong enough to move mountains?
Pray with me: Father God, help me recognize where unbelief has crept into my heart. Teach me to depend fully on You — not through my own efforts, but through prayer, fasting, and trust. Strengthen my faith, that I may see Your power at work in and through my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, believe, receive, and praise. Amen.
4GIVEN 