MOUNTAINS INTO MOLE HILLS
“I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.” Mark 11:23
Ahh, the faith to move mountains. That would be pretty cool. I know there are some “mountains” in my life, like: sin; family issues; money; the future and aging - just to name a few. I’d love these problems to be thrown into the sea, but I battle with my faith in God, and my doubts.
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
In Mark 11:22, Jesus said, “Have faith in God”. Prayer and faith join hands to help remove the mountains in our lives. But there is one obstacle bigger than your mountain - unforgiveness. Our refusal to forgive stops the power of God, causing the mountains to stay. So, it’s important to:
LET IT GO LOUIE…
“…If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25
Forgiveness is crucial because most mountains in our lives are there because someone hurt or offended us (real or imagined). So if we refuse to let it go, how can God remove it - He will not violate our will. If you want to hold on to it, God will let you have it.
Why do we hold aught against those who hurt us? Do we believe they owe us? And what payment is enough to change a heart? A changed heart comes only by choice.
…IT DOES YOU NO GOOD.
“…Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
The key to forgiving is to do so, “as the Lord forgave you.” Considering all the debt God has erased from our accounts, who are we to keep record of other’s debts? In Luke 6:36, Jesus tells us to be merciful, just as our Father is merciful. Mercy is necessary if we are to forgive.
What is it we gain by holding on to our hurts? Is it power, blessings, peace, or joy? It seems we lose these by not forgiving. Ask yourself if it is worth holding a grudge. I think it costs us in more ways than we will ever know. To forgive however, brings so many blessings to us.
“…Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:13
From sermon notes 8/20/22
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