Invitation to act in faith

Dearest Brothers and Sisters of the Mesquite Nevada Stake,

I feel like many of you, that the opening up of “normal life” can’t come fast enough. Many of you are aware that – in a limited way - the temples are slowly starting to open up. What a wonderful blessing. As a stake presidency, nothing could bring us greater joy than to have everyone in the 12th year of their life and older have a current and active temple recommend. Please contact your bishop or branch president to get that recommend if yours needs to be updated. If you are not quite ready, then we encourage you to study and prepare yourself. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples?lang=eng is a great reference.

As I have been studying the book of Mosiah the past few weeks, I was reminded that the entire book is about being delivered. It’s one story after another about people who are in bondage or captivity, their desire to be free, and the different ways that they get deliverance. Sometimes it is because of the misuse of agency that causes them to be captive. Sometimes it comes through no fault of their own, but through the wickedness of someone else. But the reoccurring theme seems to be this: in order to find freedom from bondage, I need to trust in the Lord, wait on the Lord, and act in faith when or until the day of deliverance comes.

One of my favorite scriptures is Ether 12:6  “And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that 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.”

Elder Richard G. Scott, during the October 2010 general conference, interpreted this scripture in the following way: “Thus, every time you try your faith—that is, act in worthiness on an impression—you will receive the confirming evidence of the Spirit. As you walk to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty, exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions you would not obtain otherwise. With even your strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you, when it will yield the greatest advantage. Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. That causes your faith to increase and your character to grow”.

So . . . here is my invitation. During this week, ask yourself this question: What can I do to become more like Jesus Christ? And then act on the impression you receive. It won’t be the same for everyone. For some it might be . . . be kinder. Another might be impressed to pray. Maybe you will be impressed to read your scriptures. Whatever it is - ACT and wait for the witness of the trial of your faith.

Once again, Elder Scott: “Your consistent exercise of faith builds strong character. A secure foundation for your growing character is laid by making Jesus Christ and His teachings the center of your life.”

Thank you so much for your faith and patience. You are better than you think you are.

One last thought from Elder Neal A. Maxwell:

"Though we have rightly applauded our ancestors for their spiritual achievements (and do not and must not discount them now), those of us who prevail today will have done no small thing. The special spirits who have been reserved to live in this time of challenges and who overcome will one day be praised for their stamina by those who pulled handcarts."

All my love,

President David J. Anderson