When The Mountain Doesn't Move

Have you ever felt like you were doing everything right—praying, worshipping, seeking God—and yet the mountain in front of you didn’t move?

We love the promise Jesus makes in Matthew 17:20:

“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

It’s a powerful promise. It fills us with hope and confidence. But what do you do when the mountain doesn’t move?

There are times in our walk with God when we feel especially close to Him. Those moments lift our spirits and remind us of His presence. But what happens when we return to everyday life and still feel tired or discouraged? What if nothing around us seems different, and we start to wonder if we are?

From Glory to Confusion

In Matthew 17, we witness one of the most profound mountaintop experiences in Scripture. Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. They may have thought it was just another quiet moment of prayer, but then everything changes.

Jesus is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun. His clothes become dazzling white. Then, in a stunning moment, Moses and Elijah appear beside Him. The disciples are stunned. Peter, not knowing what else to say, offers to build shelters for them—a feeble attempt to freeze the moment in time.

Then the voice of God thunders from a bright cloud:

“This is My dearly loved Son, who brings Me great joy. Listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:5)

The disciples fall face down in reverent fear. It is a moment of seeing God's glory and sensing Jesus' majesty.

But glory fades, and life goes on.

Down the Mountain… and Into the Mess

As they descend the mountain, Jesus tells them to keep the experience to themselves until after His resurrection. And then, almost immediately, they’re met with chaos.

A father is desperate. His son is suffering terribly, tormented by seizures and an unclean spirit. He had brought the boy to the other disciples, but they couldn't help him.

It’s jarring. One moment, the disciples are in the presence of Moses, Elijah, and the glorified Christ—and the next, they’re facing failure in ministry. The mountain didn’t move. The prayer didn’t seem to work.

They ask Jesus, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” (Matthew 17:19)

When Power Doesn't Flow

Have you ever asked that?

Or maybe something like;

Why didn’t my prayer get answered?

Why didn’t I feel empowered after my mountaintop moment?

Why couldn’t I fix what was broken?

Jesus' answer is blunt:

“Because of your unbelief... this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:20–21).

Faith isn’t a spiritual vending machine. It’s not about saying the right words or copying the right actions. It’s about ongoing dependence on God—before, during, and after the mountain.

Don’t Lose Heart When the Mountain Stays Put

Here’s the truth: Sometimes the mountain stays. But that doesn’t mean God isn’t working.

You may come down from the mountain and face the same brokenness you left behind. But that doesn’t mean your time with God was wasted. That experience is what strengthens you for the struggle. It reminds you that Jesus is still the answer—even when you’re confused or discouraged.

You don’t need a perfect track record to be used by God. You just need to keep showing up, keep praying, keep trusting—even when the mountain doesn’t move.

So today, if your faith feels small and if the miracle hasn't come, don’t give up. Go back to Jesus. Stay connected to the Source. Trust that He is still working! (Romans 8:28)

And don’t forget—faith as small as a mustard seed can still move mountains. Sometimes, it just moves you first.