Faith

FAITH. 

 Faith is the topic today. 

https://youtu.be/Rtx61civKJc

 "Hearken, O ye people, and open your hearts and give ear from afar; and listen, you that call yourselves the people of the Lord, and hear the word of the Lord and his will concerning you." 

 "Verily, I say unto you, there are those among you who seek signs, and there have been such even from the beginning;

 "But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe. 

 "Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God." 

 "Nevertheless, he that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall overcome, and shall receive an inheritance upon the earth when the day of transfiguration shall come;" and

  "...unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life." (See D&C 63; emphasis added).

 Now that it's getting hot, I felt extra thirst while fasting today. Yet my thirst for truth and for God's knowledge and guidance felt greater. I know that no matter how"cool" and "new" things are in the world, or how strong the pressures of society's "norm's" may get, I can have faith in God and His ways. 

 There's a primary song on faith that I've liked over the past that says: "Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day. Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray. Faith is like a little seed; If planted, it will grow. Faith is a swelling within my heart. When I do right, I know." However, I want to add to it. We've seen the sun rise enough times that there's no logical or physical reason to think it won't come again. I feel that most of the time, exercising faith feels more challenging as we're trying to believe in something we haven't yet seen happen; and which may not seem as logical or certain as the sun. I feel like these are the times we truly exercise faith. Like when the Isrealites stepped into the Red Sea. Like when Nephi and his family set sail in a monsterous sea, not knowing where they were going. Like when each of us makes new decisions in our lives, not knowing what's further down the road.

 I will choose again and again, each day, to have faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, His atonement, and Their infinite mercy, love, and grace, as I face the uncertainties of this mortal life. Despite all the unknown, I find a lot of peace when I choose to step forward with faith. I know They love and know each of us--and every individual on this Earth--in every nation, and of every tongue and race, and They will help us as we go forward in faith.

 With love and prayers,

 Jillene Smith