The Trial of Our Faith Part 6: The Next Steps
Peace, peace be unto you because of your faith in my well beloved, who was from the foundation of the world. -Helaman 2:112b RAV, 5:47 OPV
If you are here, we will presume that you are seeking to know God. You are not looking for someone to stand between you and God, you want that personal relationship that comes from being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
The Trial of Our Faith Part 5: The Second Question, What
A portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge and also power, according to my faith and desires which are in God. -Alma 12:113 RAV, 18:35 OPV
The second question I would like to ask is: What are you trying to discover? This is a key question because it paints the picture of where you are going next. Some are seeking answers, some are seeking a way out, some are not even sure what it is they are looking for.
The Trial of Our Faith Part 4: The First Question, In
For ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters. -Mosiah 3:9b RAV, 5:7c OPV
The third key word: In. What is the basis of your faith? Where does it come from? In Hebrews 1:1 Paul tell us that “faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists.” And there are many that would declare this means we must simply have faith with no proof, that asking God for proof is somehow a sin.
The Trial of Our Faith Part 3: The First Question, You
Ye have not come thus far, save it were by the word of Christ, with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. -2 Nephi 13:28 RAV, 31:19b OPV
The second key word is: You. Once we know the What we must discover where this What comes from. Proverb 22: 6 tells us, “Teach a youth about the way they should go; even when they are old, they will not depart from it.” These are wise words indeed, yet how many children lean upon the faith of their parents?
The Trial of Our Faith Part 2: The First Question, What
“And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith; for thou hast sought me diligently with lowliness of heart.” -1 Nephi 1:53 RAV, 2:19 OPV
The first question I would like to ask is: What do (or did) you have faith in? There are three key words here, the first one being: What. Some have complete faith in God, some in their church or congregation, others the faith of, or in, their parents or others; those they see as spiritual guides or leaders. Regardless, everyone has faith in something.
The Trial of Our Faith Part 1: You Are Not Alone
At some point, everyone goes through their own personal faith crisis. It feels as though you are alone, as if God has left or abandoned you. You have questions, but no one has the answers. It just feels overwhelming. Please know that you are not alone, and that your feelings, even fears, are perfectly normal.