“Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'” (Matt 17:19-20 NIV)

Oh how I loved to watch the North Sea when I was young. The movement of the waves mesmerized me, transporting me in my imagination to fabulous, exotic places. I loved to dive into the waves and swim to my heart’s content. The technicalities of sandcastle construction were my expertise, and so was having a swell time on the beach with my friends and family.

But at times I longed for the mountains. What would it be like to hike to the top of one and see the view? Would the sun always be at the top? What kind of adventures could I encounter in such surroundings?

I was barely ten years old when I discovered Mat 17: 20 and muttered these words in a prayer: “Father, please move some mountains to my neighbourhood.” I firmly believed it would happen. Hey, didn’t I have a Bible verse backing me up? I held that promise firm in my heart for hours … a day … a few days… but after a week I gave it up. There were no mountains moving into my neighbourhood.

“Did God forget me?” I wondered.

Eight years later I attended school at a seminary that, by coincidence, was located near Geneva. The first time I arrived there I was astounded to find myself surrounded by … mountains! My heart skipped a beat or two and I started to race to the top of the first one. The view from up there was unbelievable, and yes the sun always shone at the top of the Salève, even though heavy clouds were covering my valley.

I realized then and there that God did answer my prayers. However instead of having the mountains move in my neighbourhood, he gave me the privilege of moving to the mountains!

Now in my old age, I am torn between the sea and the mountains. Maybe I should retire on an island on the South Pacific Ocean where both dreams can be fulfilled. No matter what, I will be satisfied with what God has in His plans for me.

Reflecting on these thoughts, I realize that we often lack that mustard seed kind of faith. We are too impatient and too geared up to please only ourselves! In such circumstances all we can do is stop in our tracks, look up into heaven and pray: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV)

Rob Chaffart

(To view the entire “You of Little Faith” devotional series, please click here.)