How to Move Mountains: 3 Biblical Keys for Stronger Faith

When frustration feels like a wall you can’t break through, it’s natural to wonder what to do next. But Scripture shows us how to pray for breakthrough—not with panic or despair, but with faith. In this message, David Cerullo reveals three powerful biblical keys—praise, persistence, and planting faith—that can unlock movement even when the mountain refuses to move.

 

Have you ever prayed about something for a long time and wondered why nothing seems to move?

Many believers ask, “How do you move mountains with faith?” or “Why isn’t my faith working?” You’ve believed. You’ve stood in faith. You’ve done all you know to do. Yet the obstacle is still there—unchanged, unmoved, unshaken.

If you’re in a season like that right now, I want to encourage your heart: you are not alone, and you are not forgotten.

Every believer faces moments when faith feels tested. Seasons when the mountain doesn’t move as quickly as we hoped. But Scripture reminds us that when circumstances don’t shift, God still gives us ways to stand strong and move forward.

Jesus spoke directly to this in Scripture, and His words still guide us. Today I want to share three simple, powerful biblical keys that can help you keep your faith alive—even when the mountain is still standing.

What Does It Mean to Move Mountains in Faith? Maybe your mountain looks like:

• A health battle that keeps lingering
• Financial pressure that won’t ease
• A loved one you’re still praying for
• A door that refuses to open

If you’re honest, it can feel exhausting. Like trying one key after another, hoping something finally works.

As I prayed for those reading this, I sensed a gentle reminder: sometimes breakthrough doesn’t come from striving harder—it comes from returning to the simple things God has already shown us.

Three keys. Three steady anchors for your faith.

And interestingly, they all begin with the same letter.

1. Praise: Worship Before the Breakthrough

The Bible tells us:

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4).

Praise is not just a reaction to victory—it’s often the doorway into God’s presence during the struggle.

All through Scripture we see this pattern:

• Jehoshaphat sent worshipers into battle first—and God brought the victory (2 Chronicles 20).
• Paul and Silas praised God in prison—and chains fell off (Acts 16).
• Paul reminds us that prayer wrapped in thanksgiving brings supernatural peace (Philippians 4:6–7).

Many people say, “I’ll praise God when things change.” But faith often works in the opposite direction.

Praise lifts your focus off the problem and back onto the faithfulness of God. It steadies your heart. It reminds you that even when life feels uncertain, God is not.

If your mountain feels overwhelming today, start here. Whisper a “thank you.” Sing if you can. Praise even quietly in your heart.

Because praise shifts you before it shifts your circumstances.

2. Persist: Keep Showing Up in Faith

We live in an instant-results world, but God often works in deeper, slower ways that shape our faith over time.

Jesus said:

“Ask and keep on asking … seek and keep on seeking … knock and keep on knocking” (Matthew 7:7, AMP).

Notice the invitation: ongoing faith. Not pressure or panic. Just persistence.

Galatians 6:9 gives this gentle encouragement:

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

If you’ve been waiting longer than you hoped, hear this: delay does not mean God has stepped away. Sometimes God is just strengthening roots before He reveals fruit.

Jesus even told the story of the persistent widow (Luke 18) to remind us that faithful prayer matters. Not because God is reluctant, but because persistence keeps our hearts anchored in trust.

If you’re tired today, don’t quit. Even quiet faith still counts. Even small prayers still reach heaven. A friend of mine encourages his congregants to say a three-word prayer if that is all they can muster. A prayer as simple as, “Jesus, help me,” is a powerful step forward in faith. 

Keep showing up and keep praying. God sees every step.

3. Plant: Use the Faith You Already Have

Jesus gave one of His most hope-filled promises when He said:

“If you have faith like a mustard seed … nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).

A mustard seed is tiny … almost unimpressive. That’s the point. Jesus wasn’t emphasizing how big your faith must be—He was revealing how faithful your God already is.

The power isn’t in the size of the seed. It’s in planting it.

In another passage, Jesus explained that a mustard seed grows when it’s planted (Mark 4:30–32). In the same way, faith grows when it’s expressed—through trust, through obedience, and through simple next steps.

You don’t need perfect faith.
>You don’t need unshakable confidence.
>You just need a willing heart.

Speak God’s promises.
Take the next right step.
Trust Him with what you cannot control.

Faith grows in motion.

When the Mountain Still Stands

Jesus concluded with these powerful words:

“Nothing will be impossible for you.”

That doesn’t mean life will never bring mountains. It means mountains are never bigger than the God who walks with you. Sometimes breakthroughs look like a sudden miracle. Sometimes it looks like quiet strength that carries you through.

Either way, God is working.

So if you’re facing something that feels immovable today, come back to these simple anchors:

Praise – because God is still good.
Persist – because your story isn’t finished.
Plant – because even small faith can grow into something powerful.

And remember this: you are not walking this road alone. I am praying for you—that God will renew your strength, steady your heart, and remind you that He is still the One who moves mountains.

Your partner in reaching the lost,

David Cerullo

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