In life, challenges come in many forms: personal struggles, family hardships, financial worries, health concerns, and spiritual doubts. While we may not always have control over when trials arise or how intense they may be, we do have control over one thing that can see us through any storm, and that is the power of our faith.
Think of a time when you had to exercise your faith. When you had to place your full trust in the Lord, and when you received an answer to your prayers. 🙂 Not all things happen at the perfect timing, but it’s important for us to recognize the moments when we’ve experienced the power of faith and God working in our lives.
Some people think that faith isn’t real and they don’t allow themselves to experience what God can show them as we place our faith in Him. If we think about it, faith truly is the principle of action in all things and it’s also the power that can help us overcome even the most overwhelming challenges.
When we take a moment to consider why faith is a principle of action, we can see that it clearly is what allows us to do all that we do in our daily life. For example, from the moment we wake up we have faith that we will accomplish all of the things on our “to do list”. We believe it and then we get to work, visualizing in our minds the result we hope for and then we go for it and do it. Would we do those things if we didn’t think we could do them? Would we plant a seed if we didn’t have the hope or faith that it would grow? All that we do starts with a thought of faith and hope that we will accomplish it, and then we start working towards it.
Faith prompts us to keep going, when we would rather give up. It moves us to pray, when we’re not sure anyone hears us. It encourages us to take another step, even when the path ahead is unclear. Through faith, we rely not on our own strength, but on the strength of the Savior.
When we act in faith, we do more than wish for a solution, we actively seek God’s guidance and align our lives to receive His blessings. This might mean studying the scriptures to feel the Spirit, serving others to forget our own worries, or being diligent in daily prayer. As we take steps forward, no matter how small, our faith becomes a light that illuminates the path ahead. Regardless of the size of our faith, God has promised that He will help us to grow that Faith and the best way to grow our faith in God is to KNOW HIM BETTER.
I love this quote from President Russell M Nelson, which says; “Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of all belief and the conduit of divine power. According to the Apostle Paul, ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’”
“Everything good in life—every potential blessing of eternal significance—begins with faith. Allowing God to prevail in our lives begins with faith that He is willing to guide us. True repentance begins with faith that Jesus Christ has the power to cleanse, heal, and strengthen us.
“Deny not the power of God,” the prophet Moroni declared, “for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men.” It is our faith that unlocks the power of God in our lives.”
How amazing that God once again allows us to choose, to grow for our ourselves the desire to KNOW HIM. BELIEVE IN HIM AND HAVE FAITH IN HIM. We can do this by recognizing all of the moments in which He has been present for us. In the moments when we have been comforted. Maybe not all of our prayers have been answered yet…but we can trust that He hears us and He will answer, in His wisdom and timing for our lives. For now, we place one foot in front of the other. One day at a time we strengthen our relationship with our amazing Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. We keep believing 💪🏼 we keep trying and we keep TRUSTING IN HIM.
We can remind ourselves that we’re not alone. That our prayers are heard. That we are the children of a loving Heavenly Father, and that as His children we can receive the confidence we need to face any challenge that may come into our lives. We aren’t left to struggle alone. We have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and we receive comfort when we sincerely pray and ask Him to comfort us. He is a loving, kind and compassionate Giver. When we begin to know how Christ better, we see that we truly can trust Him more.
Alma 26:12 reminds us, “Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things.” When we trust in God’s love for us, we see ourselves not as weak and incapable, but as heirs to divine power.
That power will also remind us that things don’t need to happen in our timing, but in God’s timing. One of the hardest aspects of having faith is trusting in the Lord’s timing. Sometimes answers come quickly, and sometimes they don’t come in the way we expect. But in those moments of waiting, we grow spiritually as we learn to TRUST that God has a plan for us that is far greater than our own.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s counsel: “Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.” Faith means holding onto hope and staying faithful, even if the answers don’t arrive right away.
When we do so, we prove to God that we trust Him, and He will bring his blessings, answers, and comfort in His divine timing. The ultimate source of strength and comfort comes through Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Because He suffered for our sins, sorrows, pains, and weaknesses, He perfectly understands our struggles. In moments of deep trial, we can find comfort in knowing that the Savior is by our side, ready to comfort us and give us strength beyond our own.
As we come to know Christ through prayer, scripture study, and applying His teachings, we can feel His presence in our lives. This relationship with the Savior is what makes our faith strong enough to overcome any challenge. As we rely on His power, we become capable of achieving things we never could on our own.
Another important thing we can do to allow our faith to grow in God, is to remember that when we’re faced with difficult times (when it’s usually easier to focus on what’s going wrong), learn to see the good. President Thomas S. Monson taught, “Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty.” Through faith, we can find peace and joy, even amidst trials, by looking for the lessons and growth that come through them.
Seeking gratitude, even in small moments, helps us stay focused on the blessings God has already given us. Recognizing His hand in our lives builds a reservoir of faith that we can draw from in future trials.
So, remember that when we face life’s trials, faith provides a sure foundation to stand on. It’s what helps us keep going when the road is rough. By acting in faith, remembering our divine identity, trusting God’s timing, relying on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and looking for the good, we can overcome ANY challenge. Faith doesn’t eliminate struggles, but it does give us the strength to face them and to emerge from them stronger, closer to God, and more refined by His love.
I know that the Savior is stretching His arms toward us, to remind us that He is there. That no matter the difficulty, He is ready to help us. He invites each one of us to come to Him, lean on Him, and find rest for our souls through Him. With faith as our anchor, we can face every trial, knowing that we are never alone and that God’s love will see us through.
Our spiritual goal for this week is to continue strengthening our faith. Speak positively to yourself, remind yourself by saying “I am a child of God, and as His child, His love, peace, mercy and provision are abundantly available for me. I will trust Him, I believe in Him, and I know that truly with Christ, I can do and overcome all things.”
Our physical goal is to take care of our bodies because our spirit resides in them. We must have a greater desire to eat healthier, to exercise, rest, and do all that our bodies need to allow us to feel better, And in return, express our gratitude to God for this body that He has entrusted us with. Let’s be grateful for it. Love it and do our best to take care of it.
I pray that you’ll gain what God wants you to get out of this message, and I hope that you will make a little bit of time for yourself tonight to come to class, to do something amazing for your body, your mind, and your spirit. Our goal is to renew ourselves and let go of anything heavy or negative that we may be experiencing. Hope to see you tonight at 7pm!!!
Love,
Lili 🌸
