The perplexed disciples of Jesus had witnessed Him delivering a boy from an evil spirit.  They could not…they had tried.  They asked Jesus a question:
(NASB) Matthew 17:19 “…‘why could we not drive it out?’”

Notice Jesus’ forthright answer…love does that, it does not try to soft-pedal or ‘protect’ the questioner.  “Listen” to Jesus’ loving response.
(NASB) Matthew 17:20 “…‘Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”

Faith is confidence in God and His power to hear and answer your prayers!

David wrote many Psalms…and they are filled with faith in God to act in his behalf.  David would state his feelings, his circumstances and then move into asking for God’s help and many times end with praise to his God!  (Psalm 40, Psalm 41, Psalm 42, Psalm 43 are a few such Psalms)

Faith in God is to have faith in which there is nothing impossible!
Because it is God’s great power at work…not your power, God’s power.  Where is your faith placed?  If your faith is placed in you, you may succeed for a time…but there will be a time when such faith will not be helpful…and defeat will follow.

Jesus gave His disciples further information…that unclean spirit could only come out through prayer and fasting…faith is still involved!
(Matthew 17:21)

What honest questions do you have as you seek and search for God’s truths?
When anyone asks Jesus an honest question, they will be given an honest, forthright and insightful answer.

When you ask Jesus a question – you can expect an answer which will:

1-  convince you of a need for spiritual growth in your life.

2-  encourage you to ask by faith in His power

3-  challenge your faith to be in God and His power

4–  to make a concerted effort of sacrifice – to pray and perhaps to fast (fasting is always sacrificial).

Asking Jesus a question is personal, private and a privilege.