Ether 12

FAITH

I love how Moroni defines faith. He says, “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” (12:6). Moroni then goes on to explain that if there is “no faith among the children of men, then God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith” (12:12). So, as we demonstrate faith—as we persevere and hope for the best, God can then create miracles in our lives…

Moroni then offers us examples of faith: he said, “it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the prison to tumble to the earth (12:13) it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost (12:14)… it was the faith of Ammon and his brethren which wrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites (12:15)”. Moroni then repeated, “…neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore, they first believed in the Son of God” (12:18). 

This “faith” which Moroni speaks about, is what we all desire. However, sometimes when we struggle it is easy to forget our purpose and lose sight of our faith. Ironically, it is by having faith that we are allowed the strength to climb those mountains and overcome our fears.  President Monson has counseled, “Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rain may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandment” (Thomas S. Monson, Be of Good Cheer, General Conference April 2009).

 “My beloved brothers and sisters fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith” (Thomas S. Monson, Be of Good Cheer, General Conference April 2009).

I love the message of faith President Monson teaches us through this quote—there will be “storm clouds”—there will be “fears” in our lives; however, if we are faithful, our future will be bright.

I am sure there were reasons for fear in the lives of Alma and Amulek as they defended the gospel despite being beaten, and spit upon. As they stood in faith, while the prison walls shook around them. I am sure there were reasons for fear in the lives of Nephi and Lehi as they too—were thrown in prison, and as the Lamanites were preparing to slay them. I am sure there reasons for Ammon to fear as he entered enemy territory, as he withstood a band of thieves, and as he testified of the gospel to a Lamanite king. I wonder what would have happened had these prophets of old allowed their fear to overcome their faith? What would their story have been then? Without Alma and Amulek, there would be no conversion in the city of Ammonihah. Without the faith of Nephi and Lehi, the baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost would not have happened. Without the faith of Ammon and his brethren, there would not have been the people of Ammon, or the two thousand stripling warriors. Without the faith of these prophets of old—thousands of people would not have been converted to the gospel. However, because their reasons for fear did not overcome their faith, all of these things did happen, and their messages continue to touch us today. 

Elder Bednar said that “fear is a potent emotion and an important element of our mortal existence” (David A. Bednar, “Therefore They Hushed Their Fears”, General Conference April 2015). However, he further stated, “Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empowers us to hush our own fears” (David A. Bednar, “Therefore They Hushed Their Fears”, General Conference April 2015).