Faith is a topic I have been enjoying studying more and more each
month. I’ve had some leaps and bounds experiences with it recently that I’ll
share in the near future.
I just finished reading the Book of Moron again and as I was
nearing the end of the Book of Ether, chapter 12 really had an impact on me.
Lately I’ve had a lot of thoughts about my country and it saddens
me to see the direction we are heading in as a nation. So it was comforting
when I came across this scripture:
Ether 12:4
Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with
surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God,
which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would
make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to
glorify God.
This is really a great chapter about faith and hope which was
written for our time. Here is the link if you have the chance I recommend that
you read all of it. http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12?lang=eng
In verses 27-29 we are
reminded by the Lord how we can become strong and increase our faith in all
things. I love these verses and they do bring me a great deal of peace and
comfort.
27 And if men come unto me I will show
unto their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my
grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they
humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things
become strong unto them.
28 Behold, I will show unto the
Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity
bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.
29 And I, Moroni, having heard
these words, was comforted, and said: O Lord, thy righteous will be done, for I
know that thou workest unto the children of men according to their faith;
And finally
Moroni teaches us why it so important for us to have hope in verse 32:
And
I also remember that thou hast said that thou hast prepared a house for man,
yea, even among the mansions of thy Father, in which man might have a more
excellent hope; wherefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in
the place which thou hast prepared.
I don’t know about you but this is reason enough to have
hope. I want to have a house near God and dwell with Him and receive an inheritance.
He has prepared a place for us, are we going to make it there? With faith, hope
and charity we absolutely will!
Bottom line, we need to become a people of faith hope and
charity. That’s how we become a nation of faith, hope and charity. We need to
believe in things we cannot see (faith), hope is the motivation part – it keeps
us going, and then charity is the result of faith and hope. When you believe and
you are motivated, you can’t help but have compassion for others and serve them.
It just feels right.
If we can do this, we can turn this nation around and more
importantly, we can dwell with God.
Knowing this and believing it is what makes
enduring the challenges in this life worth it. We have reason to remain
optimistic, God has not forgotten us. This life is such a small spec in the
span of eternity and after it’s over we can bask in a beautiful eternity if we
remain faithful. Eternity is what I have my heart set on because it is long
term. I am willing to sacrifice my time and talents to helping build the
Kingdom of God here on Earth, knowing what’s in store in the eternities. It’s
going to be great beyond anything you can imagine!
We are here on this Earth to learn faith and to learn how
to love and serve others. If we can remember that then it becomes a lot easier
to do it. When we remember why we are here and we get to work, everything else
seems to fall into place. God’s plan for us individually, beautifully unfolds
before us. We see miracles happen and we feel the hand of God working in our
lives. The path is clear.
Our spirits are familiar with this knowledge and when we
are reminded, it feels good inside as our spirits rejoice! I invite you to get
to work and let your spirit rejoice! Study harder, pray more meaningfully,
serve more diligently and love will abound in your heart and in your family.
Serve those you love and love those you serve – including your enemies. It
starts in your home with your own family and it spreads out into the community,
across cities, states, nationwide and throughout the world. It starts with you!
I know that God is real and loves each of us. He knows us
each personally because He made us. He wants us to make it back into His
presence again and He has given us clear instructions of how to do so. We
sometimes forget how easy it really can be, if we just listen to the still
small voice as it guides us.
The Book of Mormon contains instruction for our day and
tells us how we can make it back through our Savior Jesus Christ. Read it and
pray to know of its truth and you will be blessed in ways you cannot imagine. I
testify this is true. In the name of our Savior Jesus Christ amen.