Finding Faith: A Personal Lds Journey

Gaining faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. It gives us the confidence to trust and accept Him and His teachings. Faith in Jesus Christ enables us to make sacrifices, endure suffering, and overcome tribulations. We can increase our faith by studying the scriptures, choosing to believe, acting in faith, and praying to God for help.

Studying the scriptures

The scriptures teach us about Christ's mission, ministry, and doctrine, and help us to understand the power that faith in Him brings into our lives and how His Atonement applies to us. Studying the scriptures helps us to see how our faith in Jesus Christ can give us spiritual peace, even in the face of calamity and heartbreak.

The scriptures also teach us that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. If we have faith in Jesus Christ, we have confidence in Him; we trust Him and accept Him and His teachings. The scriptures teach us that "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith is spiritual proof that things we cannot see or hear do exist and are true. For example, we did not see Jesus die for us or suffer for our sins, but we know through faith that He did.

The scriptures also teach us that faith comes by hearing the word of God. The Apostle Paul taught that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). In other words, faith comes by hearing the message that is the word, or gospel, of Christ. As we hear and read the word of God, we begin to feel in our hearts that what we have been taught is true.

To nourish our faith, we must constantly seek to learn and understand the scriptures. We can do this by reading and pondering the scriptures, fasting and praying, serving the Lord, sustaining our Church leaders, and obeying God's commandments. Just as a plant without water will die, faith without action will die. By nourishing our faith through righteous works, we will be able to enjoy great blessings, just as caring for a plant will allow us to enjoy its fruit.

Choosing to believe

The first step in developing faith is choosing to believe. This is a conscious decision that only you can make. It is important to remember that faith is a choice and that no one can make it for you. You can affirm your decision by saying to yourself, "I choose to believe in the Savior." This can help remind you of your choice whenever you need it.

It is also okay to have questions and doubts. Remember that the Church was restored because a young boy had questions and sought answers from Heavenly Father. If you have questions or doubts, search the scriptures, find faithful sources, and ask Heavenly Father for guidance in prayer. He wants you to seek and know the truth and will not lead you astray.

Even with your questions or doubts, choose to believe and stay faithful. Study the scriptures and other faithful sources with the desire to believe rather than with the hope of finding flaws. Allow the Lord to lead you on your journey of spiritual discovery. As you put these things into practice, the Holy Ghost will testify to you of the truth.

Acting on Faith

Faith without action is dead. Once you have chosen to believe, you must act on your faith. This can be as simple as reaching for your scriptures every day, trusting that you can find guidance; praying with the belief that Heavenly Father will guide you; and choosing to follow commandments each day, despite the world's temptations. The more you do these small faith-filled actions, the more your faith will grow.

Nourishing Your Faith

Just as a plant needs sunlight, air, and water to grow, your faith needs nourishment to thrive. You can nourish your faith by reading and pondering the scriptures, fasting and praying, serving the Lord, sustaining your Church leaders, and obeying God's commandments. Without action, your faith will wither and die.

The Blessings of Faith

As your faith in Jesus Christ grows, you will be able to enjoy many blessings. Faith enables you to:

• "Cleave unto every good thing" (Moroni 7:28)
• Enjoy peace and happiness without fearing the future
• Receive answers to your prayers
• Have your burdens lightened by God (Matthew 11:28-29)
• Be forgiven of your sins as you repent of them
• Exercise the power of the priesthood
• Have the Holy Ghost with you (Moroni 7:32)
• Experience miracles in your life (2 Nephi 26:13)
• Return to live with Heavenly Father after the Resurrection

Acting in faith

• Daily Scripture Study: Spending time in the scriptures, even for a few minutes each day, helps us learn about Christ's mission, ministry, and doctrine. As we immerse ourselves in the stories of those who had great faith, we can understand the importance and power of faith in our own lives.
• Prayer: Praying with sincerity and believing that Heavenly Father will guide and help us is an act of faith. We can also pray for others, showing our love and concern for them.
• Obedience to Commandments: Choosing to follow the commandments, despite the world's temptations, is a way to act in faith. It shows our willingness to trust and obey the Lord's teachings.
• Sacred Ordinances: Participating in sacred ordinances worthily, such as the sacrament, unlocks the power of God in our lives. It demonstrates our commitment to our covenants and helps us draw closer to Him.
• Service: Serving others and sharing our faith through missionary work or other acts of service strengthens our faith. It allows us to follow Christ's example and share His love with those around us.
• Overcoming Trials: When faced with challenges and trials, acting in faith means trusting in the Lord's plan and relying on His strength to help us endure. Like Job, who endured great suffering but never lost his faith, we can find comfort and peace in our trials by exercising faith.
• Seeking Answers: Asking questions and seeking answers from faithful sources, including the scriptures and prayer, is an act of faith. It demonstrates our desire to learn, grow, and follow the Lord's guidance.

By taking these actions, we can receive "more faith by doing something that requires more faith" (President Russell M. Nelson). Our faith will become a powerful tool that enables us to face difficulties, make sacrifices, and experience miracles in our lives. Acting in faith is a crucial step in our spiritual journey, helping us draw closer to Jesus Christ and access His perfect power.

Partaking of sacred ordinances

There are several ordinances that are essential to exaltation, including:

• Baptism: This ordinance is performed by immersion at the age of eight or older and symbolises Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. It also represents the baptised individual's spiritual rebirth as a disciple of Jesus.
• Confirmation and reception of the Gift of the Holy Ghost: This ordinance is performed by laying hands on the head of a newly baptised member. Through confirmation, the individual becomes an official member of the Church and receives the gift of the Holy Ghost.
• Ordination to the Melchizedek Priesthood (for men): This ordinance confers the power and authority of God upon men, including the authority to perform ordinances and act as leaders in the Church.
• Temple endowment: Referred to as a "gift of power from on high" by Joseph Smith, the details of this ordinance have varied over time. It typically consists of an initiation phase and an instructional and testing phase.
• Marriage sealing: This ordinance is a marriage ceremony that seals a couple as husband and wife for eternity. Any children they have are also sealed into this eternal family unit.

In addition to these essential ordinances, there are other sacred ordinances that provide comfort, guidance, and encouragement. These include naming and blessing children, consecrating oil, and administering to the sick and afflicted.

By participating in sacred ordinances and honouring the associated covenants, individuals can unlock the power of God in their lives and strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.

Asking for help

Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting are essential spiritual practices that can deepen your connection with God and increase your faith. When you pray, remember to express your gratitude, seek guidance, and ask for help in developing a stronger faith. Fasting, when paired with prayer, can enhance your spiritual focus and intensity.

Sacred Ordinances and Covenants

Participating in sacred ordinances and honouring the associated covenants is another way to invite God's power into your life. These ordinances and covenants are opportunities to make sacred commitments and receive divine blessings. By faithfully participating in these rituals, you open yourself up to a deeper relationship with God and a stronger faith.

Study the Scriptures

Studying the scriptures is a powerful way to increase your faith. Reading about the experiences of ancient prophets, their trials, and their unwavering faith can inspire and strengthen your own faith. Immerse yourself in the stories of real people who had sufficient faith in Jesus Christ to move mountains or experience other miracles. As you study, seek to understand the power that faith in Jesus Christ brings into your life and how His Atonement applies to your personal journey.

Choose to Believe

Increasing your faith requires a conscious choice to believe in Jesus Christ and His teachings. It is a decision that only you can make. Look yourself in the eye and declare your choice to believe. This intentional act can be a powerful reminder of your commitment to your faith.

Ask for Help and Listen

Practice Turning to Him

Increasing your faith requires consistent practice and diligence. Find reminders in your daily life, such as a bell or a penny in your shoe, that prompt you to turn your thoughts towards God. Practice praying throughout your day, even in brief moments. As you cultivate the habit of turning to Him, your faith will grow stronger.

Act in Faith

Faith without action is incomplete. Take action by reaching for your scriptures, praying, and choosing to follow God's commandments. These small but meaningful actions will lead to greater faith. As your faith grows, you will be empowered to take even bigger steps of faith, moving the spiritual mountains in your life.

Frequently asked questions