Lord Increase Our Faith: A Little Faith Moves Moutains

In the previous verse the Apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith.  Jesus responds to His disciples’ request to increase their faith by stating:

“And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”  (Luke 17:6, KJV)

Jesus teaches that faith is not primarily about size, but about quality and authenticity. Even a very small amount of genuine faith, like a mustard seed, one of the smallest seeds possesses tremendous power when placed in God. Christ is not promoting magical thinking, but divine confidence rooted in God’s authority.

In essence, Jesus is saying, “If you possess real faith at all, you can overcome what appears impossible including the internal struggle to live with forgiveness, obedience, and spiritual maturity.”

The tree referenced is not the sycamore but the sycamine, the black mulberry tree, known for its deep root system and resistance to removal. Jesus intentionally uses this image to demonstrate that true faith can uproot deeply entrenched obstacles.

What Is Faith?

The Greek word for faith is pistis, meaning “to persuade or be persuaded. It refers to divine persuasion, confidence birthed by God within the receptive believer.  Faith is not human optimism; it is spiritual conviction grounded in God’s revelation and character”.

Faith is God’s warranty that what He reveals and promises will be fulfilled.

Scripture confirms this:

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”  (1 John 5:4–5)

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith allows believers to live confidently in what God has promised even before it becomes visible.  You may not yet see what has been promised, however let Hope be your anchor too believe that what God has promised will occur!

Where Does Faith Come From?

Faith does not originate within human effort or intellect. Faith comes from God and is cultivated through relationship with Him.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  (Romans 10:17)

Salvation establishes our relationship; Scripture deepens trust; obedience strengthens confidence. As believers grow in the knowledge of God through His Word, faith matures and expands.

What Does Real Faith Look Like?

Real faith expresses itself as complete trust in God’s ability to care for, provide for, guide, and protect His people.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”  (Proverbs 3:5–6)

Trust involves:

• Believing what God says.

• Obeying His commands.

• Rejecting worldly wisdom when it contradicts God’s truth.

• Resting securely in His protection and provision.

To “acknowledge” God means to know Him personally and walk in fellowship with Him daily. When believers pursue God in every area of life, God promises direction, clarity, and stability.

The righteous path becomes:

• Straight morally living in obedience and integrity.

• Smooth pragmatically avoiding unnecessary chaos created by sin and poor choices.

Conclusion

Faith like a mustard seed reminds us that:

• God does not require massive faith only genuine faith.

• True faith comes from relationship with God, not human effort.

• Faith grows through exposure to God’s Word and obedience.

• Even small faith, when rooted in God, can move what appears immovable.

The power is not in the believer but the power is in the God we trust.  Do you have faith as a grain of mustard seed?