When the Storm Becomes a Mountain — Seeing What Stands Before Us

 

“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.”

Mark 11.23 NKJV

Some storms rise as waves and others rise as mountains. Both can block the horizon and test whether my trust remains in the One who commands the wind and the sea. When Jesus spoke of a mountain being cast into the sea, He was not describing geography. He was revealing authority. His authority reaches over anything that stands against the purpose of God. A mountain is simply another expression of a storm. Sometimes it appears within me as fear, pride or unbelief. Sometimes it takes shape in relationships through tension or misunderstanding. Sometimes it breaks in from outside as injustice, resistance or attack.

Whatever form it takes, it becomes the same thing. It stands between my heart and His command. When my attention shifts from the Captain to the mountain, my hands tighten on the oars and I begin to row by sight rather than faith.

In the boat, the Captain never loses sight of the horizon. He knows which mountains will crumble beneath His word and which ones we will climb together. He does not ask me to analyse the storm. He asks me to remain attentive to His voice. Sometimes that voice is quiet and steady. Hold steady. At other times it comes as a small but decisive correction. Ten degrees starboard. My safety does not come from understanding the whole map. It comes from obeying the word He speaks in that moment.

Faith is not pretending the mountain is not there. Faith is trusting the Captain’s command more than my own perception. So I find myself asking: Lord, what are You showing me through this. Is this a mountain to be moved or a mountain to be crossed with You. And often I hear His gentle assurance. Keep your eyes on Me. Whether I flatten the mountain or lead you over it, My purpose will stand. The crew who obeys My voice will always reach safe harbour.

Some storms roar and others stand silent, but both reveal where my attention rests. Faith does not call me to stare at the obstacle. Faith calls me to listen for the Captain’s next word. It is obedience, not understanding, that keeps the boat on course.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills.

From whence comes my help.

My help comes from the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121.1 NKJV