Faith

One of the Young Women in my ward asked me to write down what faith means to me and how I know I can trust things to work out. Here's what I gave her.

FAITH

To me, “faith” is an action word. People often refer to it simply as “believing in something you can’t see.” It is…but it is also so much more.

If you have faith, you believe so strongly that you cannot help but act in a way that follows that belief. What you DO shows what you BELIEVE! I was tested on this often in my growing up years and still am. Sometimes I am not perfect in my actions, but I am always trying.
Faith is also one of the great Gifts of the Spirit…each of which we are told to seek after. Through my patriarchal blessing, I feel very grateful to know that I have been given this spiritual gift and I have strived to always keep it. I know if I don’t put it into practice (ACT on it) I will lose that gift. I also know, EVERYONE can have the gift of faith if they seek for it and act on it.

I have been given certain trials of my faith, as all of us are. It seems to begin with little trials here and there as we grow in spirituality. I’ve learned that Heavenly Father won’t give me anything I can’t handle. I have faith in that promise…I’ve lived that promise. Through Him, all things are possible. As I’ve put that belief, that faith, into action during each trial, God has proved his promise to be true to me. I learn from my past experiences and try not to forget them as I encounter new more difficult ones.

So now I can trust in God and have faith that the next time something tries me in my life, He will be there. All I need to do is SHOW my faithfulness by not doubting, but by having a perfect brightness of hope.

I know God loves me and each one of His children. He will not leave us alone. We may walk off and leave Him…but He will not be the one to walk away. May we all have faith in Him.