This column is titled, “Issues of Faith,” but what is faith?
Faith can be defined as hope for things that are not seen but which are true. As Christians, our faith is centered on Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Faith leads to action.
Faith has led me to pray desperately at Seattle Children’s Hospital while my son had multiple brain surgeries for hydrocephalus.
Because of faith, I worship weekly at church.
Because of faith, I strive to keep the commandments.
There is power in faith that can heal the sick and the wounded soul.
It takes tremendous faith to let God’s will be done when sometimes the sick are not healed.
I have faith that, through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we can receive a remission for our sins.
How do we get faith if we have none?
Faith starts as a small seed, and as it is nourished, it grows.
Nourishment comes through the good word of God in the scriptures, as we commune with God through prayer and as we find quiet time from the distractions of the world while pondering the things of God.
We do not need perfect faith.
God loves us, even with our imperfections.
Line upon line, our faith grows as we act on it.
We see the good fruits that come from this seed as we follow His path.
Russel M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “One of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is ‘let God prevail’.”
He continued, “We can choose to let God be the most powerful influence in our lives, or not.”
As our seed of faith matures, we desire to let God prevail in our life.
As our seed of faith develops deep roots, we surrender our selfish desires and serve God by serving our family and our neighbors.
God wants us all to come back to Him by exercising a particle of faith.
As we learn about our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ and let God prevail, He will work miracles in our life.
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Issues of Faith is a rotating column by five religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Bishop Jason Bringhurst is the leader of the Mount Pleasant Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Port Angeles. His email is jasonbring@gmail.com.
