Moving Forward

“If I had known of the sign on the side of the moving truck, I never would have hired them,” exclaimed the octogenarian whom I helped move. Her comment was interesting for the movers were punctual, efficient, positive, and capable. They represented their sign well, which declared: “Faith Moves Mountains . . . We Move Families.”

The day before, I had encountered a mountain in the topography of my pilgrimage. A life changing obstacle suddenly was in my way. Much was on my mind, yet I deferred emotions so that this cross-town moved could be accomplished. The simple statement on the truck spoke volumes to me, for the reminder that faith moves mountains salved my open wounds and gave me encouragement that I would overcome.

Matthew provides two quotes of Jesus making this claim. Both are replies to a discourse. I am only required to have the faith of a seed. Christ used an image as did the moving company. It is one most can relate to for we understand that as a seed is small, so must the beginning of our faith be. Yet lost to our life is the fact that a mustard seed is an extremely tiny one. Christ was commenting on how little faith we may have, but was saying that only a small amount of faith will begin growth. “You can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will be moved.” This image is easy to remember. The next comment is less visual for I must discipline myself to remember: “Nothing will be impossible for you.” Not some things, or selected situations, but ‘nothing’ is the claim of Christ. Inevitably I want to interject doubt into my situation. Faith may move other’s mountains, but mine seems destined to stay in plaice. Yet Christ states that I should exercise faith without the hindrance of doubt. Such solid faith is a discipline requiring effort. It also requires memory of God’s past provision. Contemplating how God intervened goodness in past circumstances in my experience, helps me again use faith as I encounter a new mountain.

Paul, in his epistle on love, reminds us of faith as well. Love and faith must be balanced. “If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” In his great treatise on the power of love, Paul gives a reminder that our ever abiding faith should be one which realizes that mountains can be moved.

I appreciate the witness of the moving truck. On a day of fear and uncertainty it allowed Jesus to speak to me. Suddenly the seriousness of my circumstance was bearable. For I moment I was living only in one chapter. The reminder that faith moved mountains helped me to see that a future chapter of my life will have provision. On a hot, humid summer day I continued the mundane task of packing boxes with a renewed fervency.

Matthew 17: 20; 21:21
I Corinthians 13: 2