Faith and a Family Across a Field

Hello Friends and Family!              

Joseph Smith taught: “Had it not been for the principle of faith, the worlds would never have been framed, neither would man have been formed of the dust. It is the principle by which Jehovah works, and through which he exercises power over all temporal as well as eternal things” (Joseph Smith, compiler, Lectures on Faith [1985], 16).

If we want Jesus Christ to exercise power in our lives, we must exercise faith in him. The Savior promised that if we do, we “shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.” The Holy Ghost will have a place in our hearts, and the Father will be able to bring to pass the covenants he has made with us. (See Moro. 7:32–34.)

Faith in Jesus Christ is a divine gift that grows when nourished by belief in the word of God, obedience to truth, and diligence in doing good works (see Alma 32:27–43). President Brigham Young taught: “When [we] believe the principles of the Gospel and attain unto faith, which is a gift of God, he adds more faith, adding faith to faith. … But [we] must believe the truth, obey the truth, and practice the truth, to obtain the power of God called faith.”

This week, I was able to go on exchanges with a missionary. We were sitting at the end of a long country road in a little town in Southern Georgia, when we both felt prompted to pray. There were only about four homes on this road. We prayed, and specifically asked Heavenly Father to bring out a family that had recently moved in, was struggling with family issues, and was searching for a Church to bring them peace. We covenanted with Heavenly Father that we would talk with everyone He brought outside. Right after we finished praying (within ten seconds), we looked up, and saw a woman come out of her home. We walked up to her, stated that God had directed us to speak to her and to extend the invitation for her to learn more about the restored gospel and be baptized. She accepted. However, this was not the family we had prayed for. As we were walking down the driveway, I looked across a large field, and spotted a family. The Spirit told me this was the family. We quickly went to them, and we said, "Ma'am, we prayed for a family that had recently moved in, was having family issues, and was searching for a Church to bring them peace. Ma'am, why did the Lord send us to you today?" There was a long pause as she stared at us, and finally she put her head down for about a minute. The Spirit was very present as we sat there waiting for her response. She looked back up with tears in her eyes and said, "I think you found the family you were looking for. When can we meet? My husband comes home after six o'clock." 

I have been fortunate to have these miracles every day of my mission, multiple times a day.  It has nothing to do with me, or any other missionary. Instead, because this is the Lord's work. Again, this is not our work, but the Lord's. It is amazing what can happen when we turn it completely over to Him, and ask Him to "bring them outside" (literally, and metaphorically). If we are simply obedient, work hard, and keep our covenants, Heavenly Father will bring down the Powers of Heaven upon us, our families, and those we have the blessing of interacting with.

Family and Friends, continue to find your Faith. Because sometimes Faith comes with a family across a large Georgia Field.

Until next week,  

Elder Robb