There may be times in our lives when we experience trials or crises of faith. This is a normal experience. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has commented “Real faith — life-changing faith, Abrahamic faith — is always in crisis. That’s how you find out if it’s faith at all." I love this perspective that we will all have challenges to our faith, but that is how it grows.
One of my favorite scriptures about difficulties in our faith is Ether 12:6. “I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith”. At this point in the Book of Mormon, the prophet Moroni is warning the Jaredites that they will be destroyed if they don't repent. The people don't believe him because they don't see the evidence of his prophecy.I love this scripture for many reasons, first, it reminds us of what faith is. I love the connection between faith and hope because hope is a bright and promising word. Moroni counsels the Jaredites that they should not discount his words just because they can't see how they will be destroyed. The last part of the verse brings me comfort because we are promised that we will receive a witness. It's going to come. We can count on that. But we have to put in the work to receive that witness. There will be a trial or something that tests our faith before we can see things clearly. This makes so much sense to me because, like many things in life, we have to make an effort before we see results. We can't expect to get stronger if we don't go to the gym and put in the work to build our muscles. It's the same thing with faith. Heavenly Father wants to reward us for our faith and trust in Him, but He wants us to take that step of complete trust before we can see the bigger picture.
President Nelson recently asked "What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith." I love this invitation and I invite you to take it. I know that faith will grow if we take that step to do things that require faith. I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who is there with us every step of the way as we grow our faith.
Always have hope,
Colby
