Tell the mountain to be moved and cast into the sea?

So many times we hear the faith preachers tell us that if we have enough faith then we can cast any mountain into the sea and everything will be good.

But what if that was not what the Lord was only implying in Mark 11:22-23?

Maybe the emphasis instead should be placed on Mark 11:25:

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Forgiveness is one of the keys to unleashing God’s power in your life.

Unforgiveness, however, is like living in a strong box that we constantly push against and keeps us in bondage.

What if “the mountain,” therefore, is our accumulated hurts, bitterness, rejection, or feelings of abandonment and despair over wrongs we might legitimately have suffered?

In the natural world, mountains are sometimes formed when hotspots allow magma to reach the surface of the earth. Each eruption adds layers of ash and lava. This buildup increases the height and width of the volcanic structure, eventually creating a mountain.

In the spiritual world our anger and resentments are like the lava that erupts. Something triggers us and all of a sudden we are spewing out words or actions that are contrary to the Lord and His Word.

Often it seems like you have no control over the “lava” that erupts.

What if the Lord is asking us to bundle up all of that stuff that has become a mountain and throw it into the sea?

That might seem like a daunting task, but all it takes is the willingness to be transparent before the Lord. I find it helpful to do this with a close Christian friend who will not allow you to keep some of the “lava” unexposed.

Although forgiving someone is often necessary, sometimes you also have to ask the Lord to forgive you.

When you humbly go before the Lord and openly and honestly give all this stuff to Him, He will graciously open the windows of heaven, take it and give you peace in return.

I can honestly say that in my life – and I’ve seen it with many others – when you do this the Lord always miraculously responds.

When you throw your mountain into the sea of God’s redemptive power and do not doubt in your heart, but believe what He says will happen, it will be done for you. (Mark 11:22 paraphrased)

What do you have to lose except your mountain?

~Marianne