Faith to Move Homeschool Mountains

Faith to Move Mountains

There’s an amazing number of mountains in the world. From where you’re at, the mountains you see are likely different than the ones I see from where I am. Or at the very least you’re seeing a different side of the same mountain I see. How true is this of personal mountains that we face? The peaks that I have to deal with, the overwhelming mass before me, may be more than what you presently face. Or maybe it’s less than yours. In either case, it can seem like more of a hike than any one person can handle.

In Matthew 17, Jesus talks with His disciples about the Biblical Principle of how having faith the size of a mustard seed allows for one to move mountains. Figuratively speaking, I’ve come to face some mountains over the past couple of years. And with several of them I’m continually making the decision to conquer them. I choose to no longer let them overshadow me and interfere with where my Heavenly Father wants to take me. No longer are they there to block my way to overcoming. Rather, their individual purpose is to take me to where I can see a better and clearer view. In proper view, I can cross from one peak to another.

Will you hike with me on some common mountains many of us face at one time or another? Maybe you’ll start to identify some of the mountains that you need to climb. And maybe we’ll discover together that we share some commonalities.

1. Confidence

• In whom? This one tends to surface for me. Markedly, sometimes opportunities I least expect present themselves by God’s grace. And I want to shrink back because I don’t have confidence about my abilities. Or I may shy away because of something being too unfamiliar to me. Does anyone else see a problem with this? To be sure, my focus is on the mountain of self. Truly, it’s never supposed to be about us. It’s supposed to be about Christ and our confidence is to be placed in Him. With the faith of a mustard seed, I can move these mountains of fear and self.
• Reliance. In view of that, relying on the Lord one hundred percent is an area I can grow. And it is a choice. Important to realize, is that my trust needs to be in the Lord regardless of whether or not I can see His reasons. Indeed, an assurance of mind in His integrity, stability and veracity are where my focus needs to be. Without a doubt, I can rely on Him for all I need. With the faith of a mustard seed, I can move this mountain of self-reliance.

2. Costs

• Counting the cost as a noun. In Luke 14:25-34, we’re told that we are to count the cost of being His disciples. First of all, a disciple is a student who receives the instruction of another. Needless to say, all of what Jesus Christ wants us to do is with purpose. And it can be difficult. Secondly, being a disciple means that one is a follower who adheres to the teachings of another. So, even when it seems like the most painful thing to allow Jesus to change me where I need it, how can I not? And when He wants to lead me up those mountains, how can I not follow Him? I know that at the top, there is something beautiful He wants to reveal to me. Something I can’t see from the base of it. But I have to choose to be willing. With the faith of a mustard seed, I can move these mountains of difficulty.
• Counting the cost as a verb transitive. As I learn Biblical principles, I need to in turn teach others. In the long run, part of my purpose as a Christ follower is to help others learn of Christ’s teachings and principles. Are you ever intimidated by reaching out to others in this way? For the most part, it can feel challenging to reach out to others. Or, maybe it feels like a lot of work to take the time to train our kids. Regardless of how I feel, it’s a part of the calling as a Christian. With the faith of a mustard seed, I can move these mountains of intimidation and laziness.

3. Hopelessness

• Circumstances in relationships. It can be messy, this life experience with human relationships. Definitely, we each share the experience of intense pain inflicted upon us by others- whether intended or unintended. Conversely, maybe we’re the ones who have inflicted pain upon others- whether intentionally or unintentionally. In either case, the suffering it brings is one of the quickest mountains to emerge in the path of some of the most loving people. Important to remember, is that Satan is going to work it as much as he can. Relationships are a favorite platform of his, you know. But, armed with the teachings of Jesus, we can overcome. Our hope, remember, must remain in Him and in His power. Perhaps, not all relationships will be restored on this side of eternity, but we can choose to walk in forgiveness and love. With the faith of a mustard seed, I can move these mountains of rejection and hurt.
• Circumstances in events. From all losses imaginable, to starting over, to financial strains, to feeling lonely. Hopelessness can seem like it’s waiting around every corner. For certain, the dark curtain of apathy lurks to block out all possible light. But we must shake ourselves out of it when this happens. This mountain’s heavy shadow will block all warmth from life. Being in a state of utter emotional hypothermia is soul shocking. Remember to wrap yourself in the blanket of Christ’s love and our Heavenly Father’s provision. We must look for His Providential Hand in all things. Because it’s there. Always. With the faith of a mustard seed, I can move this mountain of apathy.

Faith in Christ’s Abilities

In the moment, any mountain we face can seem overwhelmingly impossible to overcome. Yet, our Lord and Savior says that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, healing can take place in the lives of individuals. Faith, not in our own abilities. Rather, faith in the power and ability of Jesus Christ. It’s a Biblical Principle we can live by if we chose to put on the mind of Christ.

Putting on the Mind of Christ

What does it mean to put on the mind of Christ? It means to choose to share in the kingdom plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ.  We find a key to this in 2 Corinthians 10:5…

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  -KJV

There it is! Taking captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Choosing to rely on Him, to put our hope in Him and in God’s promises, to overcome, to forgive, to keep our eyes on being like Christ is how we overcome mountains. Because focusing on Him and being intentional to live out His character shrinks mountains quicker than a shrinky dink in the oven.

Certainly, he give us the abilities to think through our problems, to own our thoughts, to change our thoughts and behaviors with His help, and to focus on the right things. Whatever your struggles are, be encouraged to change your perspective and move mountains with Christ’s loving help.

Blessings!