23/02/2026
Topic: The Prices That Faith Must Pay
Text: Matthew 17:19β20
In Gospel of Matthew 17:19β20, the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast out the demon. Jesus made it clear that the issue was not just βsmallβ faith β it was faith that was not alive, not active, not engaged. Faith that moves mountains is not passive; it pays a price.
Jesus said if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we will say to this mountain, βMove from here to there,β and it will move. But that kind of faith comes with responsibility. It requires sacrifice, discipline, and spiritual depth.
What are the prices faith must pay to move mountains?
π Faith must be Active and Participatory
Faith is not silent belief; it is action. True faith steps forward, speaks, works, and trusts God even before results appear.
π Courage (Proverbs 22:13; 1 Samuel 3:13)
Any faith that must move mountains must be courageous. Fear keeps mountains standing. Courage confronts them. Faith requires boldness to face challenges without retreating.
π Persistence (Genesis 32:25)
Like Jacob who wrestled until he received his blessing, faith must refuse to give up. Mountains do not move at the first shout β they move at consistent pressure.
π Aggressiveness (Matthew 18:12; 2 Kings 9:1)
Faith is not timid. It pursues Godβs promises relentlessly. It seeks, knocks, and presses until breakthrough comes.
π Knowledge (Daniel 9:1β3)
Faith grows through understanding. Daniel prayed effectively because he understood the scriptures. Ignorance weakens faith, but knowledge strengthens it.
π Prayer (Isaiah 62:6β7)
Faith without prayer is powerless. Prayer fuels faith. It keeps heaven attentive and keeps the believer aligned with Godβs will.
π Brokenness (1 Samuel 1:10)
Hannahβs tears were not wasted. Brokenness is the right cry before God β a heart humbled and fully dependent on Him. Mountains respond to hearts that are surrendered.
π Obedience (1 Kings 17:12)
Faith must be backed by obedience. The widow of Zarephath obeyed first, and her miracle followed. Delayed obedience delays manifestation.
π Diligence (Proverbs 20:4)
Faith is not laziness. It works. It prepares. It labors. Diligent faith positions itself for divine intervention.
π Patience (Psalm 37:7)
Faith knows how to wait. Waiting is not weakness; it is trust in Godβs timing. Mountains may not move immediately, but patience sustains belief until they do.
Faith that moves mountains is costly β but the results are powerful. Let us not have empty faith. Let us have living, active, courageous faith that pays the full price.
St Johnβs Anglican Church Onuiyi
Living Spring Media