In his book, “Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy”, Richard G. Scott wrote:
“For many, faith is not adequately understood and consequently is not used to full advantage. Some feel that religion and the guidance one can receive through robust faith have no rational basis. However faith is not illusion or magic, but a power rooted in eternal principles. Are you one who has tried to exercise faith and have felt little benefit? If so, you have likely not understood and followed the principles upon which faith is founded. An example will illustrate what I mean.
Years ago I participated in the measurement of nuclear characteristics of different materials. The process used an experimental reactor designed so that high energy particles streamed from a hole that penetrated to the center of the nuclear reactor. These particles were directed into experimental chambers where measurements were made. The high energy particles could not be seen, but they had to be carefully controlled to avoid harm to others. One day a janitor entered while we were experimenting. In a spirit of disgust he said, “You are all liars, pretending that you are doing something important, but you can’t fool me. I know that if you can’t see, hear, taste, smell, or touch it, it doesn’t exist.
That attitude ruled out the possibility of learning that there is much of worth that can’t be identified by the five senses. Had that man been willing to open his mind to understand how the presence of nuclear particles is detected, he would have confirmed their existence. In like manner, never doubt the reality of faith. Exercise faith and you will confirm its power. You will gather the fruits of faith as you follow the principles that God has established for its use.
Some of those principles are:
- Trust in God and in His willingness to provide help when needed, no matter how challenging the circumstance.
- Obey His commandments and live to demonstrate that He can trust you.
- Be sensitive to the quiet prompting of the Spirit. Act courageously on that prompting.
- Be patient and understanding when God lets you struggle to grow and when answers come a piece at a time over an extended period.
Motivating faith is centered in trust in the Lord and in His willingness to answer your needs. For “the Lord doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.” 2 The consistent, willing exercise of faith increases your confidence and ability to employ the power of faith.
You can learn to use faith more effectively by applying this principle. . . .: “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.” 3 Thus, every time you “try your faith,” that is act in worthiness on an impression born of the Spirit, you will receive the confirming witness that is of the Lord. Those feelings will fortify your faith. As you repeat that pattern, your faith will grow stronger. The Lord knows your needs. When you ask with honesty and real intent, He will prompt you to do that which will increase your ability to act in faith. With consistent practice, faith will become a vibrant, powerful, uplifting, inspiring force in you life. As you walk from the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty, exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions you would not obtain otherwise. I have repeatedly confirmed that to be a true principle. ~Richard G. Scott, Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2007) 227-29
Continued. . .
(Richard G. Scott a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passed away in 2015.)
