Matthew 17:20 — “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
Introduction
Throughout Scripture, mountains often symbolize immovable obstacles—barriers of fear, sin, opposition, or impossibility. Jesus used the language of “moving mountains” not to entertain fantasies of rearranging geography, but to reveal the supernatural capacity of faith-filled believers who trust fully in the power of God. This paper examines what it truly means to “move mountains,” how such authority works in the believer’s life, and why this truth is essential in the final days as the people of God confront unprecedented spiritual challenges.
The Nature of the Mountains We Face
Biblical mountains represent more than physical formations. They signify:
Obstacles Beyond Human Strength
Israel stood before the Red Sea with mountains at their sides and Pharaoh behind them. What was impossible for them was easy for God. The mountains we face—spiritual strongholds, impossible circumstances, opposition, fear—often exist to reveal the greatness of the One who can overcome them.
Satanic Resistance
Zechariah 4:7 declares, “Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain.” Here the mountain represents demonic opposition to the rebuilding of God’s house. Many mountains are spiritual in nature—structures the enemy erects to intimidate, hinder, or discourage.
Human Weakness and Unbelief
One of the greatest mountains is internal: unbelief. Jesus spoke of the mustard-seed faith immediately after His disciples failed to cast out a demon due to unbelief (Matthew 17:17–20). Our mountains are often fueled by doubt, fear, or spiritual apathy.
Faith That Moves Mountains
Jesus revealed a profound truth: it is not the amount of faith, but the quality and object of faith that moves mountains.
Mustard-Seed Faith Is Living Faith
A mustard seed is tiny, but it grows. Jesus points to a faith that is genuine, active, and alive. It may begin small, but it is rooted in God’s character, not human ability.
Faith Speaks Under Divine Authority
“You shall say to this mountain…”
Faith does not whisper timidly before the impossible; it speaks with confidence grounded in God’s Word. Mountains move when believers speak what God has declared, not what fear suggests.
Faith Acts According to God’s Will
Mountain-moving faith is not presumption. It is alignment with God’s purpose. When the believer prays in obedience, in surrender, and in harmony with the will of God, the impossible becomes possible.
The Power Behind Mountain-Moving Faith
The Authority of Christ
Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). Believers move mountains because they are under that authority. Faith is powerful only because Christ is powerful.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
Zechariah 4:6 explains mountain-moving power:
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
The Spirit breaks yokes, silences devils, lifts burdens, dismantles strongholds, and empowers believers to walk in victory.
The Word of God
Jesus defeated Satan in the wilderness by the Word. The believer’s authority is rooted in Scripture. Mountains crumble when confronted with the living, authoritative Word of God spoken in faith.
Moving Mountains in the Last Days
In prophetic times, the mountains intensify:
- Mountains of deception rise as false doctrines spread.
- Mountains of persecution challenge Christian endurance.
- Mountains of worldliness attempt to erode holiness.
- Mountains of fear threaten to silence the testimony of Christ.
But the faithful remnant is called to stand firm and speak in faith. Revelation portrays believers overcoming “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). End-time mountains cannot withstand end-time authority.
The shaking of the last days will not weaken the church, but purify it. Every obstacle that seems immovable becomes a stage for God’s power.
How Christians Can Begin to Move Mountains Today
Identify the Mountain Clearly
Name it in prayer—fear, addiction, sickness, broken relationships, spiritual bondage, opposition—whatever stands in the way of God’s will.
Confront the Mountain with Scripture
Use promises that speak directly to the situation. The Word is the sword that cuts through impossibility.
Speak in Faith, Not Doubt
Jesus said say to the mountain. Faith remains silent only when fear rules. Bold declaration is part of biblical faith.
Persevere Until the Mountain Moves
Most mountains do not fall instantly. Jesus taught persistent prayer (Luke 18:1–8). Faith that endures is faith that inherits.
Give God the Glory for the Victory
When the mountain moves, proclaim His power. Mountain-moving faith magnifies Christ, not the believer.
Conclusion
“Moving mountains” is not a poetic idea but a kingdom reality. Jesus declared it, demonstrated it, and imparted it to His followers. Mountains fall not because of human strength, but because the believer trusts in the One who rules heaven and earth.
Every obstacle bows to Christ. Every stronghold crumbles before His Word. Every satanic resistance folds under the fire of His Spirit. Mountains move when believers choose to believe, obey, speak, and stand firm upon the promises of God.
The church of Jesus Christ is not called to be intimidated by the mountains of this world—but to command them to move.