In Ward Council this morning (held via Zoom), Bishop Allen asked that I prepare a spiritual message to be shared with the Ward. Others will get their turn in the coming weeks :).
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the Gospel. During my college days at Utah State, I began reading the Bible Dictionary. I will never forget the strength I felt and the testimony I gained from reading about Faith. “Faith is a principle of action and of power, and by it one can command the elements, heal the sick, and influence any number of circumstances when occasion warrants. Even more important, by faith one obtains a remission of sins and eventually can stand in the presence of God.”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/faith?lang=eng
“God expects you to have enough faith and determination and enough trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. In fact, He expects you not simply to face the future (that sounds pretty grim and stoic); He expects you to embrace and shape the future—to love it and rejoice in it and delight in your opportunities. God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can’t if you don’t pray, and He can’t if you don’t dream. In short, He can’t if you don’t believe.” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Terror, Triumph, and The Wedding feast https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jeffrey-r-holland/terror-triumph-wedding-feast/
Doctrine and Covenants 123:17 says, “Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.”
As we go through trials and hardships, may we remember to have faith in Christ and cheerfully do all things that lie in our power, and then, we shall find peace. We find peace in Christ. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R46J-GjbRWA
-Sister Monica Jensen