Continuing from * The Sustaining Power of Faith IV and concluding the above subject, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (deceased) wrote;
“Understand and apply this vital principle to your life: Your exercise of faith builds character. Fortified character expands your capacity to exercise greater faith. Thus, your confidence in conquering the trials of life is enhanced. And the strengthening cycle continues. The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to exercise the power of faith for yet stronger character.
The example of Nephi, the son of Helaman, shows how righteous character provides a conduit for blessings. While returning home from a harrowing experience in which he displayed true character a voice came to him. It signaled the important characteristics of his life that you can emulate: serving consistently, unwearingly declaring the word, not fearing, seeking the will of the Lord, and obeying the commandments.9 Because he had proved himself consistently, God knew the goodness of his character and trusted him. Therefore He gave him extraordinary power, confident that he would use it only as guided by the Spirit.
Because thou has done this with such unwearingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will. 10
The declaration “thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will” was not a commandment, rather a witness of Nephi’s exceptional character.
No matter what occurs, no matter how topsy-turvy the world becomes, you can always have the sustaining power of faith. That will never change. The perfect love of your Father in Heaven will never change. He tabernacled your eternal intelligence within a spirit body and gave you the opportunity of coming to earth to grow through trials and testing and the opportunity to choose for yourself whether to follow His plan or not. His gospel plan gives life meaning and can assure your peace and happiness. His plan is not only for you to prove yourself here on the earth but also that you may receive the growth that comes from correct decisions prompted by faith, enabled by your obedience.
Why worry about future calamities or uncertainties over which you have no control? Your righteous life magnifies the probability that you will never have to suffer them. When challenges and testing do come, your faith will lead you to solutions. Your peace of mind, your assurance of answers to vexing problems, your ultimate joy depend upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Right will ultimately prevail. It will yield blessings now as you in faith obey the commandments of God. Remember that an unfailing, continual, ever-present source of peace and comfort is available to you. It is the certainty that your Father in Heaven loves you no matter what your circumstance, no matter what winds of trial, turmoil, and tribulation whirl about you. That certainty will never change. Your ability to access that support depends on the strength of your faith in Him and your conviction of His certain willingness to bless you.
Exercise strong faith that God will sustain and guide you through the Holy Spirit in an increasingly challenging world. I testify that application of the principles you have reviewed in this chapter will strengthen your character and help you avail yourself of the sustaining power of faith in times of uncertainty and testing.
Among your friends and loved ones there are likely those who are confused and are seeking solutions to life’s perplexing problems. Will you share your testimony of the truth and of the power of faith with them? Will you help them understand how faith in God and His teachings, restored in their fullness in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, can bless their lives now, in these turbulent times? Do it. The Lord will help you. Your faith will guide you and sustain you.~ Richard G. Scott, “Finding Peace, Happiness and Joy (Salt Lake City, Deseret Book, 2007), 231
On this subject see also:
‘The Sustaining Power of Faith and Character’
‘The Sustaining Power of Faith IV’
