In Matthew 17 in the Bible, Jesus heals a boy with a demon after the disciples were unsuccessful. When the disciples asked Jesus why they were unable to drive out the demon, Jesus answered:
After reading that verse do you ever feel like your faith is weak? I know I do. My faith certainly isn’t moving mountains literally or figuratively. And I can’t say I know anyone whose faith does “move mountains”.
If it only takes a teeny mustard seed of faith to move a mighty mountain, even the faith of the strongest believer would still be quite weak in comparison!
The key is, our faith has to be in Christ, not in ourselves.
Sometimes doubts crop up and I question everything I believe and wonder if it’s all true or if I am going crazy or fooling myself. Or is it the devil trying to lead me astray?
Then I discovered that a lot of the saints struggled with doubts, depression, anxiety and other mental challenges. Doubt can be a good thing and actually bring us closer to God.
- St. John of the Cross (1542-1591) writes about the trials and sufferings he experienced in his book The Dark Night of the Soul.
- St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) became deeply depressed and suicidal after a battlefield injury.
- St. Dymphna (circa 620-650) is the patron saint of mental illness and was martyred by her own father.
- St. Mother Teresa (1910-1997) experienced a long period of inner dryness and spiritual struggle which her faith helped her get through.
The saints and Christians that have gone before us struggled with the same things we do today. But faith and trust in the power of God, not in their own power, kept them going.
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
If the disciples, who were actually with Jesus physically, doubted and lacked faith, then we should not despair (as the devil wants). God still used them mightily. And He can use us too.
I do believe, help my unbelief! (Mark 9:24)
Our faith also works collectively to move mountains through community with other believers. We can grow stronger together and help each other along in life and the faith journey.
We who are strong in faith can help those that are weak. We should help them in their weakness. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to help him be stronger in his faith. (Romans 15:1-2)
Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up. (1 Thess. 5:11)
When we are afflicted with trials and weaknesses, it causes us to rely more on God, thus bringing us closer to Him and increasing our faith.
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
It is natural to feel weak in faith or discouraged at times, but God does not operate on whims or feelings. He is always there. He never changes. He is steadfast and ever faithful; constantly guiding and having unconditional love for us.
Brothers and sisters, we must keep the faith even in difficult, seemingly hopeless, times.
If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will He not much more provide for you, O ye of little faith. (Luke 12:28)
God often chooses the weak in the eyes of the world to do great things. The Bible is full of such examples. And it still happens through us weaklings today.
So have no fear! God can use us even if we feel like our faith is weak. Let us go out now and move some mountains! We can do it with a tiny mustard seed of faith!
