"Faith is like a little seed, if planted it will grow." These are the words of one of the first songs primary children learn. If faith wasn't so important, why would the church teach children how to have faith at such a young age? The answer is because faith is the basic principle this church is built on. As stated in the Bible Dictionary, faith is "to have faith is to have confidence in something or someone". Faith is the knowledge of something that cannot be seen.
In order for us to effectively show our faith we must be constant in our beliefs. In Helaman 5:45 it states, "And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled with fire..." At one time in my life I had an experience at the beach that is relateable to what Helaman is talking about. After attending church we went on a walk along the beach as a family. Soon it was dark; as we were heading back my dad said he could not find his wallet. We all began to look for it. After searching for a while, there was still no sign of the wallet. Just as I was getting worried about how we would get home, a calm feeling came over me. Almost immediately I felt that everything would be alright. I later found out that my brother had prayed earlier that day that we would be safe and arrive home in a timely manner. This made sense because I remembered that as we were looking for the wallet he seemed completely calm. That is the day that I learned the most about faith.
If we do all we can and then ask the lord for help he is always there for us. This is shown in Alma 42:23 it states
"But it came to pass as soon as they had departed into the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamanites."
In this verse Moroni is showing his true faith in the lord. Moroni did not just ask the lord where to go to defend his people, but he at first sent his spies around the nearby areas and did all that he could. Then he showed more faith by going to the Lord's appointed messenger, alma, and asked him to inquire of the Lord. By asking alma to pray for him he shows complete faith and humility throughout.
Having faith is good but the key is to have faith continually. In 1 Nephi 7:12 it states
"Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him."
Throughout the scriptures the Nephites go from good to bad over and over. While they are blessed for their repentance, think about how great their reward could have been if they had only stayed righteous throughout. We are warned by our leaders to stay away from the things that lead us away from the gospel. This is so we can stay righteous and receive more blessings than if we had just been wicked and then repented.
One of the ways that helps me choose the right on a daily basis is daily prayer. In Mormon 9:37 it states, "And may the Lord Jesus Chriest grant that their prayers may be answered according to their faith..." Over the years I have become better and better at remembering to say my prayers. As time has passed I have prayed more fervently. A big reason that is, is because I now know that I am talking to my heavenly father. I look forward to these times because they are the times that I feel the closest. Some ask how I know that my prayers are heard. Well, my answer has always simply been faith and that prayer is built on faith. In all honestly, in everything we do there is faith involved. This is one of the many reasons why I know this church is true and that my testimony is able grow eternally, FAITH :)
Tanner Zylstra
1) Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 7:12
2) Book of Mormon: Mormon 9:37
3) Bible Dictionary: Faith
4) Book of Mormon: Alma 42:23
5) Book of Mormon: Helaman 5:45
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14 comments:
This is a great blog. I’d like to see some of your ideas developed more in addition to words not only from the scriptures, but from latter-day revelation. What did you learn about faith from your personal experience? How does that demonstrate constancy in beliefs? And how is that related to the scripture in Helaman which you share?
My favorite part is your testimony of prayer at the end. I can tell that you love Heavenly Father, and I know that He loves you. What a privilege it is to speak to the Master of the Universe each day for free, at His invitation.
I really enjoyed this post, I really liked the scripture shared from Mormon and how our prayers will be heard and answered. Thank you.
I liked your paragraph on prayer, and that you said prayer is built on faith. I also liked the personal experience you shared. Nice job!
I like how you stated that faith is good, but continual faith is best.
I like how you have in the blog on faith that the Nephites were continually to progress or fall. I can see it in my own life. Some things I get better at other things I need to gain some more faith. I have had family pray for me in times where I needed it and I didn't even know they had prayed for me. I attribute that to faith and promptings from the lord. It has helped me to gain more faith.
Great insights about faith. I loved your quotes and your personal stories. Great Blog.
I like how you tie your personal experience into the the strength from faith.
I liked your analysis of Moroni and how he went to the Lord to see if he should fight.
I love that seed comparisome! And the Bible dictionary is an excelent tool! Great Blog!
I enjoyed the example of Moroni going to Alma. Trusting a thing like the lives and liberty of your people to someone unseen is true Faith
I really enjoyed how you illustrated the change that has come in your prayers as your faith has developed.
Faith is one of the strongest and to me most intreging way to feel and know my Heavenly Father is true and always here for me... your Blog was a good way for me to understand how faith is used in your life as well!
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