FAITH CAPSULE: What you believe determines what you receive and what you receive is what you will have.

Mark 11: 12-24

Inside the lesson of the withered fig tree, Jesus accentuated the power of true faith. The illustration of moving a mountain into the sea is an extreme impossibility. However, having faith in God can definitely make it possible. The lesson of the withered fig tree began when Jesus and His disciples were coming from Bethany and Jesus was hungry. When Jesus approached the fig tree expecting to find something to eat and found nothing, He responded, “…Let no one eat fruit from you ever again…” (Mark 11:14) The Bible records that the disciples heard Jesus. Despite Jesus’ word, nothing happened right on the spot as they continued on their journey. However, as they were returning in the morning, the fig tree had dried up from the roots. Peter responded to what had become of the tree by calling Jesus’ attention. “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away.” (Mark 11:21) Jesus did not hesitate as He responded to Peter’s comment. “So Jesus answered and said to them, ’Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. (Mark 11:22-24)Inside the response of Jesus is the secret of moving mountains. The first point is to have faith in God and not in gods. Any thought or expectation from any other avenue for help reduces God from moving your mountain for you. Secondly, speak to your mountain. Your mountain must have a name in order for you to call it. Call your mountain by its name and take authority over it in the name of Jesus. Truly this is easier said than done, but where there is true understanding of what is said, then what is said will be done. The third secret that is no secret for ones who have understanding of the Word is to believe that what you are asking for has been already been received even though it is not yet in your hand. Although the fig tree was spoken to, nothing happened until the following morning. With faith, speak to your need, believe you have received it although it is not yet in your hand, move forward and then you will have it. The point is: what you believe determines what you receive and what you receive is what you will have. Remember that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Prayer for today: Ask God for His grace for you to be rooted in operating true faith.