The LDS Daily WOOL© Archive - Faith

(10/12/98)
"The rewards of this journey are many. When seeing daily life with the eye of faith, we see God, mortality, others, and even the universe very differently and more richly. And we are 'glad'! (See Ether 12:19.) The eye of faith allows us entry into the sun-drenched uplands of reality, where we can better see 'things as they really are' and 'really will be' (Jacob 4:13). Without faith, however, we simply 'cannot see afar off.' Whether we are viewing man’s eventual prospects in the plan of salvation or the other 'things of the Spirit of God [which] … are spiritually discerned,' faith is essential. (2 Peter 1:9; 1 Corinthians 2:14.) " — Neal A. Maxwell, "Lord Increase Our Faith," Introduction

(10/13/98)
"My brethren and sisters, let us grow in faith; that faith which will regenerate our lives completely. If we have the enlarged faith in the living God that was taught us by the Master, nothing can hurt us." — Levi Edgar Young, General Conference, April 1940

(10/14/98)
"Let us remember too, that faith in God is inseparably connected with sincere repentance from sin, and that as a people, to enjoy the fruits of faith--including continued freedom--we must live in keeping with the principles of revealed religion." — Mark E. Petersen, General Conference, October 1947

(10/15/98)
"All the strength and force of man comes from his faith in things unseen. He who believes is strong. He who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions. Clear, deep, living convictions rule the world." — Robert L. Simpson, quoting James Freeman Clark,
"Organizing for Eternity," BYU Speeches of the Year, 20 April 1965

(10/16/98)
"Remember, however, that while nothing is impossible with God, faith without works is dead. Part of solving any problem —even with prayer—is to do something about it yourself. Don't leave everything up to God." — Elaine Cannon, "Adversity", p. 127

(10/17/98)
"The Lord will work with us, and we should work with him; therefore, brethren, let us live by faith, walk by faith, overcome by faith, so that we may enjoy the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. All the institutions pertaining to the work of God in these latter days are going to progress, Zion is bound to arise, and to arrive at that position in our great future that the Prophets have seen by prophecy and revelation." — Wilford Woodruff, "Journal of Discourses", 15:8, April 6, 1872

(10/18/98)
"The Lord will work with us, and we should work with him; therefore, brethren, let us live by faith, walk by faith, overcome by faith, so that we may enjoy the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. All the institutions pertaining to the work of God in these latter days are going to progress, Zion is bound to arise, and to arrive at that position in our great future that the Prophets have seen by prophecy and revelation." — Wilford Woodruff, "Journal of Discourses", 15:8, April 6, 1872

(6/2/01)
"'Despite their essential and beneficial uses, the methods of study and reason are insufficient as ways of approaching God and understanding the doctrines of his gospel. We cannot come to know the things of God while rejecting or failing to use the indispensable method God has prescribed to learn these things. The things of God must be learned in his own way, through faith in God and revelation from the Holy Ghost' (Dallin H. Oaks, The Lord’s Way [1991], 56). Only in this way can we obtain the spiritual illumination, nutrition, and power necessary to teach and transmit faith and testimony." — Dallin H. Oaks, "Nourishing the Spirit," Ensign, Dec. 1998, p. 9

(6/03/01)
"I would also ask that we choose to build up within ourselves a great power of faith which will be our most effective bulwark against the designs of the Adversary-a real faith, the kind of faith which will sustain us. Every person within the sound of my voice has read or quoted or heard those famous words from the epistle of James: 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.' (James l:5.)Haven't we all heard that? How many of us have read the next verse: 'But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.' (James 1:6.) So I would urge that we choose to build within ourselves a faith which can be characterized by nothing wavering. If we will do this our Heavenly Father will sustain us, and direct us, and guide us." — Thomas S. Monson, November 5, 1963, "BYU Speeches of the Year," 1963 p. 8

(6/4/01)
"We should not be discouraged or depressed by our short-comings. No one is without weakness. As part of the divine plan, we are tested to see whether we master weakness or let weakness master us. Proper diagnosis is essential to proper treatment. The Lord gave us this remarkable assurance: 'Because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong.' But wishing for strength won't make us strong. It takes faith and work to shore up a weakened cord of integrity." — Russell M. Nelson, "Perfection Pending, and Other Favorite Discourses," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1998], p. 25-26

(6/05/01)
"Faith in the true and living God is a priceless gift! Without it we are forever in the shadows. Lacking faith, we are without guide and compass, and we grope in the darkness with no place to go. Faith is a pathway leading to God. We cannot afford to be indifferent to our religious convictions. We must not neglect our faith. It is the very bedrock of life." — Alma Sonne, December 7, 1960, "BYU Speeches of the Year," 1960, p. 2

(6/06/01)
"I bear you my witness that as we live the gospel principles, we will build faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, confidence in ourselves, and overcome fear." — Franklin D. Richards, "Conference Report," April 1970, p. 12

(7/04/02)
"Each of us who have made covenants with God face challenges unique to us. But each of us shares some common assurances. Our Heavenly Father knows us and our circumstances and even what faces us in the future. His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, has suffered and paid for our sins and those of all the people we will ever meet. He has perfect understanding of the feelings, the suffering, the trials, and the needs of every individual. Because of that, a way will be prepared for us to keep our covenants, however difficult that may now appear, if we go forward in faith." — Henry B. Eyring, "Witnesses for God," "Ensign," Nov. 1996, p. 33

(7/05/02)
"I know that many of you carry terribly heavy burdens. May your associates in the Church, your brethren and sisters, help you with those burdens. May your prayers ascend to Him who is all powerful, who loves you, and who can bring to bear forces and factors which can help you. This is a work of miracles. You know it, and I know it. It is easy for me to tell you not to become discouraged, but I say it nonetheless, as I urge you to go forward in faith." — Gordon B. Hinckley, "Daughters of God," "Ensign," Nov. 1991, p. 100

(7/06/02)
"I believe in the triumph of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the triumph of the Church and kingdom of God on the earth. If ever your faith is inclined to weaken as you see the onward march of evil and oppression, read again the story of Daniel who, putting his trust in the 'God in heaven that revealeth secrets,' interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream. He said concerning our day that the God of heaven shall 'set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these [other] kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever' (Dan. 2:44)." — Gordon B. Hinckley, "Be Not Afraid, Only Believe," "Ensign," Feb. 1996, p. 4

(7/07/02)
"Should there be anyone who feels he is too weak to change the onward and downward course of his life, or should there be those who fail to resolve to do better because of that greatest of fears, the fear of failure, there is no more comforting assurance to be had than the words of the Lord: 'My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.' (Ether 12:27.)" — Thomas S. Monson, "All That the Father Has," "Ensign," July 1989, p. 71

(7/08/02)
"Your faith will sustain you and give added meaning and increased accomplishment to your secular studies if you will live to deserve the blessings of the Lord." — Dallin H. Oaks, "Strive for Excellence," "Ensign," Dec. 1971, p. 109

(10/03/02)
"Faith must always precede the miracle. The Lord works with men according to their faith. (See Moro. 10:7.) Nephi observed that the Liahona worked only 'according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto [it].' (1 Ne. 16:28.) And to the Church in this dispensation the Lord has said, 'Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God. Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God. ...' (D&C 63:10-11.)" — Robert J. Matthews, "I Have a Question," "Ensign," Jan. 1975, p. 22

(10/04/02)
"Could faith be the answer? We all know that more faith won't make our problems disappear. But I believe as our faith increases, we become more able to not only survive the hard times but become better because of them. I believe faith is the answer." — Virginia H. Pearce, "Faith Is the Answer," "Ensign," May 1994, p. 92

(10/05/02)
"Let us establish in our lives the habit of reading those things which will strengthen our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. He is the pivotal figure of our theology and our faith. Every Latter-day Saint has the responsibility to know for himself or herself with a certainty beyond doubt that Jesus is the resurrected, living Son of the living God." — Gordon B. Hinckley, "Fear Not to Do Good," "Ensign," May 1983, p. 80

(10/06/02)
"The faith-promoting stories in the scriptures will accomplish their purpose if we will let them, and that purpose is to create faith in our hearts so that we will trust in the same Lord who blessed our forebears and thereby inherit the same blessings that he poured out upon them." — Bruce R. McConkie, "The How and Why of Faith-promoting Stories," "New Era," July 1978, p. 5

(10/07/02)
"Great buildings were never constructed on uncertain foundations. Great causes were never brought to success by vacillating leaders. The gospel was never expounded to the convincing of others without certainty. Faith, which is of the very essence of personal conviction, has always been, and always must be, at the root of religious practice and endeavor." — Gordon B. Hinckley, "Faith: The Essence of True Religion," "Ensign," Oct. 1995, p. 2

(1/27/04)
"In themselves these objects [Liahona, etc.] were nothing; they did not work by magic, a power that resided in the objects themselves so that a person has only to get hold of the magical staff, seal, ring, robe, book of Moses or Solomon or Peter in order to become master of the world. The aids and implements that God gives to men work on no magic or automatic or mechanical principle, but only 'according to the faith and diligence and heed which we . give unto them' (1 Ne. 16:28) and cease to work because of wickedness (see 1 Ne. 18:12)." - Hugh Nibley, "Ancient Temples: What Do They Signify?" Ensign, Sept. 1972, p. 48

(2/23/04)
"'And a little child shall lead them.' (2 Ne. 21:6.) Can you imagine the joy our Heavenly Father must feel when we come to him with the tender faith of a little child and accept the love he has for each of us? He wants us to come to him and has promised that he will be there to welcome us. In the Doctrine and Covenants he has said, 'Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.' (D&C 88:63.) This is our invitation from our Father in Heaven to share in the wondrous blessings he has in store for us. He then gives explicit directions on how we can find him: 'Seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.' (D&C 88:63; italics added.) Seek, Ask, Knock." - J. Thomas Fyans, "Draw Near unto Me," Ensign, Nov. 1985, p. 90

(3/28/04)
"It seems, then, that the Lord uses the faith of his righteous children as a vehicle by which he accomplishes much of his work. This principle cannot be reduced to a simple equation; nevertheless, it is interesting to observe how the Lord responds to faith and how miraculous powers are brought to bear as the Lord's people exercise their faith in righteousness." - Dean L. Larsen, "Prayer: The Missionary Tool in Everyone's Hands," Ensign, Oct. 1977, p. 38

(5/25/04)
"To Elijah, Jehovah said, 'Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord.' Elijah obeyed, and after a storm of wind and earthquakes and fire, he was finally visited with 'a still small voice.' To Elijah, who had hid himself inside a cave, the Lord asked, 'What doest thou here, Elijah?' And Elijah answered, 'Because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.' But the Lord had important work for Elijah to do, and therefore 'said unto him, Go, return on thy way.' (See 1 Kings 19:11-15.) So Elijah went. We too must come forth from our secure caves, for we have important work to do. Through the still, small voice of His Spirit, the Lord will protect us, help us, and guide us." - Robert D. Hales, "Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace and Joy," General Conference, April 2003

(7/19/04)
"We know that there is an opposition in all things. (See 2 Ne. 2:10-11, 15.) Not surprisingly, therefore, faith, hope, and charity have their opposing forces. As illustrated in the letter from which I read, the antithesis of faith (For descriptions of faith, see Heb. 11:1; Alma 32:21.) is doubt; the opposite of hope is despair. And the opposite of charity is disregard or even disdain for the Savior and his commandments." - Russell M. Nelson, "A More Excellent Hope," Ensign, February 1997, p. 61

(8/18/04)
"When the Lord instills hope and faith and peace and assurance in people, they can bring great things to pass. This, then, is often what we should look for when we ask for help—not a miracle to solve our problem for us, but a miracle inside, to help us come to the solution ourselves, with the Lord's help and the Lord's power." - Gene R. Cook, "Receiving Answers to Our Prayers" [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1996], p. 156 - 157

(12/8/04)
"Active faith leads to good works." - Hans B. Ringger, “What Shall We Do?” Ensign, May 1994, 86

(12/9/04)
“'Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ?' he asked, speaking to modern America, knowing full well that many might profess to believe in him and yet refuse to do his works (Morm. 8:38). It is by engaging in his works that we truly take his name upon us. It is not through lip service. Moroni knew that faith without works is dead. And so likewise should we." - Mark E. Petersen, “The Last Words of Moroni,” Ensign, November 1978, p. 58

(12/10/04)
"Faith and works complement each other. Faith impels works, and good works make faith even firmer and stronger. Of this there is no end. Faith adheres to intelligent life. Indeed, it is constituent with it. Nothing progressive or creative in character was ever begun without having been initiated by faith. It is the basic power behind all others." - Delbert L. Stapley, May 5, 1964, "BYU Speeches of the Year," 1964 p. 10

(12/11/04)
"It is also God's plan that we cannot return to his presence alone, without the help of someone else. James put it best: 'Faith without works is dead, being alone.' (James 2:17.) The gospel plan requires giving and receiving. Faith alone is not enough. We need 'works' to serve and to be served. We can't do it alone." - Robert D. Hales, "We Can't Do It Alone," New Era, Jan. 1977, p. 35-36

(12/12/04)
"As we seek to develop and strengthen these testimonies, we must always rely on the Lord and place our highest priority on spiritual values. We must not forget, however, that a testimony does not, in and of itself, guarantee that we will inherit the celestial kingdom. We might know the gospel is true, but unless we are valiant, live righteous lives, and work to build the kingdom here on earth, we will not inherit celestial glory. In the epistle of James this principle is clearly taught: 'Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.... But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?' (James 2:18, 20.) Plainly, we must have both faith and works to obtain all of the blessings we seek." - O. Leslie Stone, "Testimony," Ensign, May 1975, p. 8

(4/25/05)
"Sometimes, though, we find that even when we do our best to serve the Lord, we still suffer. You may know someone who faces these most challenging of circumstances: consider the parent whose child becomes ill, for whom everyone prays and fasts with all their heart and soul, but who ultimately dies. Or the missionary who sacrifices to go on a mission, then develops a terrible illness that leaves him or her severely disabled or in chronic pain. Or the woman who lives her life as faithfully and obediently as she can but is never able to have the children she hopes for. Or the wife who does her very best making a good home for her family and raising her children, but whose husband leaves her. The scriptures have many examples of people who were saved after showing great faith, such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the fiery furnace. But the scriptures also have many examples of devout people who did not get divine intervention during a crisis. Abinadi was burned at the stake; John the Baptist was beheaded; Alma and Amulek's followers were cast into the flames. To do well does not mean everything will always turn out well. The key is to remember that faith and obedience are still the answers, even when things go wrong, perhaps especially when things go wrong." - David E. Sorensen, "Faith Is the Answer," General Conference, April 2005

(5/23/05)
"It is strange that in our praying we seldom ask for a change of character but always a change in circumstances. Some of the challenges we face may, in our Father's eternal perspective, be exactly what we need at this time in our lives. Perhaps we would be wise to pray for faith and strength to endure and grow in character and spirit." - LeGrand R. Curtis, "Perfection: A Daily Process," Ensign, July 1995, 33

(6/16/05)
"Although I have not seen the Lord in this life, yet I know His word. I know of the great Atonement made on behalf of all of God’s children. I know about the Lord's glorious, celestial resurrection, a resurrection similar to that which He has promised to all of those who keep His commandments. I know the course of that strait and narrow way and how to follow it so that we might qualify for the celestial kingdom.

"On one occasion the Lord said to Thomas, 'Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: [more] blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.' (John 20:29.) The Lord himself promised, 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.' (Matt. 5:48.) With all of these advantages, I should be able to make it on my own until He comes in clouds of glory for His millennial reign upon the earth when every eye shall see Him and every heart shall rejoice in His blessings." - Sterling W. Sill, "Have You Ever Seen the Lord?" Ensign, June 1987, 35

(8/9/05)
"This life is an experience in profound trust—trust in Jesus Christ, trust in His teachings, trust in our capacity as led by the Holy Spirit to obey those teachings for happiness now and for a purposeful, supremely happy eternal existence. To trust means to obey willingly without knowing the end from the beginning (see Prov. 3:5–7). To produce fruit, your trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than your confidence in your own personal feelings and experience.

"To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal good even though you cannot understand how He can possibly do it. We are like infants in our understanding of eternal matters and their impact on us here in mortality. Yet at times we act as if we knew it all. When you pass through trials for His purposes, as you trust Him, exercise faith in Him, He will help you. That support will generally come step by step, a portion at a time. While you are passing through each phase, the pain and difficulty that comes from being enlarged will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at your first petition, you could not grow. Your Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son love you perfectly. They would not require you to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for your personal benefit or for that of those you love." - Richard G. Scott, "Trust in the Lord," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 17

(8/14/05)
"Many who think that life is unfair do not see things within the larger vision of what the Savior did for us through the Atonement and the Resurrection. Each of us has at times agony, heartbreak, and despair when we must, like Job, reach deep down inside to the bedrock of our own faith. The depth of our belief in the Resurrection and the Atonement of the Savior will, I believe, determine the measure of courage and purpose with which we meet life’s challenges." - James E. Faust, "Woman, Why Weepest Thou?" Ensign, Nov. 1996, 52

(9/11/05)
"Oh, the blessings that await you if you will only come and mingle with the Saints of the Church! Attend your sacrament meetings. It seems that our people need to be continually encouraged to attend their sacrament meetings. They should come to sacrament meetings in large numbers as often as possible. We should partake of the sacrament and renew our covenants with the Lord, so that during the following week we may be able to withstand those temptations with which we are confronted." - Thorpe B. Isaacson, "Conference Report," October 1951, Morning Meeting p. 131

12/19/05
"Was he what he said he was? I think all thoughtful persons must agree that the significance of his Lordship is infinitely greater than the ethics of his teachings. Of course, it is easier to believe in the Golden Rule than in the virgin birth or the transfiguration. We can understand the one far better than the other. It takes faith to accept the things we do not understand. Perhaps on that very account, they are of more importance and lasting benefit to us, because they require and develop faith which is the very genius and essence of the Savior's life, work and mission. No student of the scriptures, I believe, will deny that." - Stephen L Richards, "Conference Report," April 1935, First Day—Morning Meeting, p.30

1/11/06
"We cannot find Enos-like faith without our own wrestle before God in prayer. I testify that the reward is worth the effort. Remember the pattern: (1) hear the word of God, spoken and written by His servants; (2) let that word sink deep into your heart; (3) hunger in your soul for righteousness; (4) obediently follow gospel laws, ordinances, and covenants; and (5) raise your voice in mighty prayer and supplication, asking in faith to know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I promise that if you do these things sincerely and unceasingly, the words Christ spoke to His disciples will be fulfilled in your life: 'Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.' (Matt. 7:7)" - Robert D. Hales, "Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ," Ensign (CR), November 2004, p.70

1/30/06
"Just as doubt, despair, and desensitization go together, so do faith, hope, and charity. The latter, however, must be carefully and constantly nurtured, whereas despair, like dandelions, needs so little encouragement to sprout and spread. Despair comes so naturally to the natural man!" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Brightness of Hope," Ensign (CR), November 1994, p.34

2/12/06
"I learned then as I have since how the stakes of Zion become places of safety. They become like a great family, united, caring for each other. It comes by simple faith.

"By faith they are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. As they continue to keep the commandments, that gift becomes constant. They can recognize spiritual things. It becomes easier to see the power of God working through the common people God calls to serve and lead them. Hearts are softened. Strangers become fellow citizens in the Lords kingdom, united in loving bonds.

"That happy condition will not last without a constant renewal of faith. The bishop we love will be released, as will the stake president. The Apostles we followed in faith will be taken home to the God who called them.

"With those continual changes comes a great opportunity. We can act to qualify for the revelation that allows us to know that the keys are being passed by God from one person to another. We can seek to have that experience again and again. And we must, in order to receive the blessings God has for us and wants us to offer to others." - Henry B. Eyring, "Faith and Keys," Ensign (CR), November 2004, p.26

3/12/06
"As we consider our mortal existence on this earth and the purpose of life expressed by Alma that 'this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God' (Alma 34:32), what is the Lord's way to help us achieve this very purpose? It is simply, by using this metaphor, to help us build a bridge of faith in our life for crossing and overcoming the walls of unbelief, indifference, fear, or sin. Our mortal life is the time for men to meet God by building a bridge of faith, opening the door into immortality and eternal life." - Charles Didier, "Building a Bridge of Faith," Ensign (CR), November 2001, p.10

8/1/06
"Similarly, the Savior taught the Nephites that they must always pray to the Father in his name, adding: 'And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you' (3 Ne. 18:20).

"Here the Savior reminds us that faith, no matter how strong it is, cannot produce a result contrary to the will of him whose power it is. The exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is always subject to the order of heaven, to the goodness and will and wisdom and timing of the Lord. That is why we cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord's will and in the Lord's timing. When we have that kind of faith and trust in the Lord, we have true security in our lives. President Spencer W. Kimball said, 'Security is not born of inexhaustible wealth but of unquenchable faith' (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982, pp. 72-73)." - Dallin H. Oaks, "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ," Ensign (CR), May 1994, p.98

8/30/06
"Our 'eyes of faith' will also be opened, and we shall know of a surety that he lives and that we shall live again, if we believe and accept the divine invitation 'Walk with me' (see Moses 6:34).

"Yes, we walk with him in the desert and feel his presence when we fast, pray, and withstand temptation.

"We walk with him to Jacob's well and our hearts burn within us when we study the scriptures and drink living waters.

"We walk with him to Galilee when we teach and live the truth.

"We walk with him in Gethsemane when we assume the burdens of others.

"We walk with him to Calvary when we take up our cross by denying ourselves of all ungodliness, and every worldly lust (see JST, Matt. 16:26).

"We suffer with him on Golgotha when we sacrifice our time, talents, and means in building up the kingdom of God.

"We rise with him to a newness of life when we seek a spiritual rebirth and strive to become his sons and daughters.

"And in the process of following in his footsteps (see 1 Pet. 2:21), we gain the personal conviction or infallible proof that he lives, that he is the Son of the living God, and that he is our Redeemer." - Carlos E. Asay, "If a Man Die, Shall He Live Again?," Ensign (CR), May 1994, p.10

11/2/06
"Faith was the strength of the Prophet Joseph.

"I am grateful for the faith that took him into the grove to pray. I am grateful for his faith to translate and publish the Book of Mormon. I am grateful that he went to the Lord in prayer that was answered with the bestowal of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. I am grateful that in faith he organized the Church and set it on its course. I thank him for the gift of his life as a testimony to the truth of this work.

"Faith was also the moving power behind Brigham Young. I often reflect on the tremendous faith he exercised in bringing a very large number of people to settle this Salt Lake Valley. He knew very little of the area. He had never seen it, except in vision. I suppose he had studied what meager information there was, but he knew almost nothing of the soil or the water or the climate. And yet when he looked upon it, he said without hesitation, "This is the right place, drive on" (B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 3:224).

"And so it has been with each of the Presidents of the Church. In the face of terrible opposition, they have moved forward with faith. Whether it was crickets destroying their crops. Whether it was drought or late frost. Whether it was persecution by the federal government. Or, more recently, whether it was an urgent need to extend humanitarian aid to victims of the tsunami, or earthquakes, or floods in divers places, it has all been the same. Welfare shelves have been emptied. Cash by the millions has been dispatched to those in need, regardless of Church membership—all in faith." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Faith to Move Mountains," Ensign, November 2006

1/24/07
"As a young man, I returned home from an eighth-grade basketball tournament dejected, disappointed, and confused. I blurted out to my mother, 'I don't know why we lost—I had faith we'd win!'

"I now realize that I did not then know what faith is.

"Faith is not bravado, not just a wish, not just a hope. True faith is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—confidence and trust in Jesus Christ that leads a person to follow Him. (Alma 32:21)" - Dennis E. Simmons, "But If Not...," Ensign (CR), May 2004, p.73

4/22/07
"How do we find our way through the many things that matter? We simplify and purify our perspective. Some things are evil and must be avoided; some things are nice; some things are important; and some things are absolutely essential. The Savior said, 'This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.' (John 17:3.)

"Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision. With prayer, study, obedience, and covenants, we build and fortify our faith. Our conviction of the Savior and His latter-day work becomes the powerful lens through which we judge all else." - Neil L. Andersen, "It's True, Isn't It? Then What Else Matters?" - General Conference, April 2007

6/5/07
"We also need to prepare our own seedbed of faith. To do this we need to plow the soil through daily humble prayer, asking for strength and forgiveness. We need to harrow the soil by overcoming our feelings of pride. We need to prepare the seedbed by keeping the commandments to the best of our ability. We need to be honest with the Lord in the payment of our tithing and our other offerings. We need to be worthy and able to call forth the great powers of the priesthood to bless ourselves, our families, and others for whom we have responsibility. There is no better place for the spiritual seeds of our faith to be nurtured than within the hallowed sanctuaries of our temples and in our homes." - James E. Faust, "Of Seeds and Soils," Ensign (CR), November 1999, p.46

8/19/07
"The constant exercise of our faith by lofty thinking, prayer, devotion, and acts of righteousness is just as essential to spiritual health as physical exercise is to the health of the body. Like all priceless things, faith, if lost, is hard to regain. Eternal vigilance is the price of our faith. In order to retain our faith we must keep ourselves in tune with our Heavenly Father by living in accordance with the principles and ordinances of the gospel." - O. Leslie Stone, "The Constant Exercise of Our Faith," Ensign (CR), July 1973, p.59

9/20/07
"Ceaseless striving to find the bright light of living faith purifies the heart, strengthens the will, and develops sterling character." - O. Leslie Stone, "The Constant Exercise of Our Faith," Ensign (CR), July 1973, p.59

10/7/07
"The qualities of spirituality we have been able to embody in our lives are often evident in the way we react to death or other apparent tragedies or misfortunes. As faithful Latter-day Saints, we can bear the death of loved ones because we have faith in the resurrection and the eternal nature of family ties. We can repent and rise above our mistakes and inadequacies because we know that our Savior suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent. (D&C 19:16.)

"Seen with the perspective of eternity, a temporal setback can be an opportunity to develop soul power of eternal significance. Strength is forged in adversity. Faith is developed in a setting where we cannot see what lies ahead." - Dallin H. Oaks, "Spirituality," Ensign (CR), November 1985, p.61

11/8/07
"The process of identifying truth sometimes necessitates enormous effort coupled with profound faith in our Father and His glorified Son. God intended that it be so to forge your character. Worthy character will strengthen your capacity to respond obediently to the direction of the Spirit as you make vital decisions. Righteous character is what you are becoming. It is more important than what you own, what you have learned, or what goals you have accomplished. It allows you to be trusted. Righteous character provides the foundation of spiritual strength. It enables you in times of trial and testing to make difficult, extremely important decisions correctly even when they seem overpowering.

"I testify that neither Satan nor any other power can weaken or destroy your growing character. Only you can do that through disobedience.

"Understand and apply this vital principle to your life: Your exercise of faith builds character. Fortified character expands your capacity to exercise greater faith. Thus, your confidence in making correct decisions is enhanced. And the strengthening cycle continues. The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to exercise the power of faith for yet stronger character." - Richard G. Scott, "Truth: The Foundation of Correct Decisions," General Conference, 7 October 2007

12/19/07
“We believe the first principle of the gospel is ‘faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.’ (A of F 1:4.) ‘No [one] cometh unto the Father, but by [Him].’ (John 14:6.) As His disciples, we echo boldly the words of Peter’s resounding testimony to our Master: ‘Thou art the Christ.’ (Mark 8:29.) The burning witness of the Holy Spirit that we feel deep within our hearts prompts us to make this declaration humbly and gratefully. When we explain our regard for Jesus, we lovingly and plainly testify that He is ‘that Christ, the Son of the living God.’ (John 6:69.)” - Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Christians in Belief and Action,” Ensign (CR), November 1996, p.70

12/30/07
"Remember that there were no clouds in the sky, no evidence of rain, and no precedent for the deluge when Noah builded the ark according to commandment. There was no ram in the thicket when Isaac and his father left for Moriah for the sacrifice. Remember there were no towns and cities, no farms and gardens, no homes and storehouses, no blossoming desert in Utah when the persecuted pioneers crossed the plains. And remember that there were no heavenly beings in Palmyra, on the Susquehanna or on Cumorah when the soul-hungry Joseph slipped quietly into the Grove, knelt in prayer on the river bank, and climbed the slopes of the sacred hill.

"But know this: that undaunted faith can stop the mouths of lions, make ineffective the fiery flames, make dry corridors through beds of rivers and seas. Unwavering faith can protect against deluge, terminate drouths, heal the sick, and bring heavenly manifestations. Indomitable faith can help us live the commandments and thereby bring blessings unnumbered with peace, perfection, and exaltation in the kingdom of God. May this be our desire to develop this kind of faith and may we finally attain the blessings which such perfect faith can bring...." - Spencer W. Kimball, "Conference Report," October 1952, Second Day—Morning Meeting, p.51

1/7/08
"No, it is not without a recognition of life's tempests but fully and directly because of them that I testify of God's love and the Savior's power to calm the storm. Always remember in that biblical story that He was out there on the water also, that He faced the worst of it right along with the newest and youngest and most fearful. Only one who has fought against those ominous waves is justified in telling us—as well as the sea—to be still. (Mark 4:39; see also D&C 101:16.) Only one who has taken the full brunt of such adversity could ever be justified in telling us in such times to be of good cheer. (John 16:33; D&C 68:6.) Such counsel is not a jaunty pep talk about the power of positive thinking, though positive thinking is much needed in the world. No, Christ knows better than all others that the trials of life can be very deep and we are not shallow people if we struggle with them. But even as the Lord avoids sugary rhetoric, He rebukes faithlessness and He deplores pessimism. He expects us to believe!" - Jeffrey R. Holland, "An High Priest of Good Things to Come," Ensign (CR), November 1999, p.36

3/9/08
"God has given us the capacity to exercise faith, that we may find peace, joy, and purpose in life. However, to employ its power, faith must be founded on something. There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the capacity and willingness of Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises." - Richard G. Scott, "The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing," Ensign (CR), May 2003, p.75

4/13/08
"Our personal journey through life provides us with many special experiences that become building blocks of faith and testimony. These experiences come to us in vastly different ways and at unpredictable times. They can be powerful spiritual events or small enlightening moments. Some experiences will come as serious challenges and heavy trials that test our ability to cope with them. No matter what the experience may be, each gives us a chance for personal growth, greater wisdom, and, in many cases, service to others with more empathy and love. As the Lord stated to the Prophet Joseph Smith in a reassuring way during one of his most significant trials at Liberty Jail, 'All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good' (D&C 122:7)." - Ronald L. Rasband, "Special Experiences," General Conference, April 2008

4/16/08
"With knowledge of the 'great plan of happiness,' (Alma 42:8; see also Alma 24:14.) we have the opportunity and also the responsibility to help restore faith in the family.

"In many ways our commission is comparable to those who work in the field of medicine and scientific research. Using established laws they determine how suffering can be alleviated and the quality of life improved.

"In the realm of religious belief, men and women of faith, using proven principles, (See Guide to the Scriptures, 'Principle,' 200.) can help to heal a grieving heart, restoring hope and assurance to the troubled mind." - Kenneth Johnson, "Restoring Faith in the Family," General Conference, April 2008

7/26/08
"Whatever our station in life, whatever our achievements, no matter how great, a submissive heart and a humble spirit are still fundamental to our faith. We must guard against letting our worldly successes or earthly learning become a substitution for spiritual wisdom and divine direction given through the prophets." - Richard C. Edgley, "Keep the Faith," Ensign (CR), May 1993, p.11

8/3/08
"It is through faith that the Lord performs his wonders among his people; and in enduring that trial of their faith he gives a blessing; and often the Lord shapes trials in a manner different from our expectations. We, in our limited capacity may mark out in our minds a programme; and when he moves upon the checker-board, he does not move the men we have in our minds, but he shapes and moves in another way; and we should be satisfied with the result. He will get the game, and in the end will move into the king row and be able to move both ways." - Erastus Snow, "Journal of Discourses," 26 vols., 5:301

9/17/08
"Some say that they have not faith, that they cannot believe. What is faith? It is confidence. What is confidence? It is faith. Some people are striving and striving to get faith, when saving faith is simply confidence in God, flowing from walking in obedience to His commandments. When you have confidence in yourself, in any man, woman, or child, you have faith; and when you have not confidence, you have not faith. I believe they are co-partners, and the principle of faith and confidence is synonymous to me." - Heber C. Kimball, "Journal of Discourses," 4:249

10/30/08
"Now, you may wonder how to acquire the faith, testimony, and consecration of spirit necessary to overcome the adversary. Let me assure you that these qualities are already within you. You simply need to recover them. To that end, allow me to make three suggestions.

"First, do as young Joseph Smith did. Find a quiet place and pray to your Father in Heaven. Do so regularly and earnestly. Prayer is a precondition to revelation. The more regular and earnest the prayer, the more frequent the revelation. When received, revelation provides the evidence or assurance of things unseen, which is the foundation of faith.

"Second, learn to hear the voice of the Lord. His is a still, small, and whisper-like voice. It is one that is felt more than it is heard. It comes in the form of thoughts, feelings, and impressions. To hear such a voice, you must be still and quiet in your own soul, laying aside your excess laughter and light-mindedness. While it may not seem easy to so discipline your life, hearing the precious, loving voice of the Lord will sustain you in every circumstance and is therefore worth every effort.

"Third, obey the word of the Lord as it is given to you. His word will not only love and comfort but invariably instruct and correct. Do as He bids you to do, no matter how hard it may seem to you, and do it now. It is in doing the will of the Lord that knowledge of Him and love for Him accrue to your soul, which leads you to be ever more willing to lay down your own life and follow Him." - James J. Hamula, "Winning the War against Evil," General Conference, October 2008

11/22/08
"As we gain experience in this demanding 'real world,' we sometimes fail to see the sacred nature of our seemingly routine daily tasks. Fundamentals of daily living—scripture reading, prayer, family home evening, the conversation at dinner—these provide the experiences that make faith a reality." - Janette Hales Beckham, "Making Faith a Reality," Ensign (CR), November 1997, p.75

1/30/09
"President David O. McKay testified, 'It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come, and at a time and in a manner best for the interests of him who offers the supplication.' Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. Your character will grow; your faith will increase. There is a relationship between those two: the greater your faith, the stronger your character; and increased character enhances your ability to exercise even greater faith." - Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," CR April 2007

2/21/09
"We pray for enlightenment, then go to with all our might and our books and our thoughts and righteousness to get the inspiration. We ask for judgment, then use all our powers to act wisely and develop wisdom. We pray for success in our work and then study hard and strive with all our might to help answer our prayers. When we pray for health we must live the laws of health and do all in our power to keep our bodies well and vigorous. We pray for protection and then take reasonable precaution to avoid danger. There must be works with faith." - "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball," p.44

3/15/09
"... each of you needs to build a reservoir of faith so you can draw upon it when someone you love or respect betrays you, when some scientific discovery seems to cast doubt on a gospel principle, or when someone makes light of sacred things, such as the name of God or the sacred ceremonies of the temple." - Dallin H. Oaks, "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ", Ensign (CR), May 1994, p.98

6/5/09
“We are blessed as much, if not more, by the acceptance of certain things on faith than to accept them on reason. Whenever we can reason ourselves into a thing we get a certain satisfaction out of it, it is true, but whenever through faith we can accept the life of Jesus Christ our Lord and Master, we get a development that no amount of reason can ever bring to us.

“I believe that God purposely covered up these things that when the Book of Mormon should come to light in this generation it would have to be accepted on faith. Faith is the greatest motive power in all the universe. Faith is greater than knowledge, time and time again. The devil knows the truth; he has not a spark of faith, or he would live according to it. Faith would impel him to change his life.” - Antoine R. Ivins, “Conference Report,” April 1939, Afternoon Meeting, p. 129-130

1/3/10
“So how does one ‘come unto Christ’ in response to this constant invitation? The scriptures give scores of examples and avenues. You are well acquainted with the most basic ones. The easiest and the earliest comes simply with the desire of our heart, the most basic form of faith that we know. ‘If ye can no more than desire to believe,’ Alma says, exercising just ‘a particle of faith’ giving even a small place for the promises of God to find a home-that is enough to begin. Just believing, just having a ‘molecule’ of faith-simply hoping for things which are not yet seen in our lives, but which are nevertheless truly there to be bestowed-that simple step, when focused on the Lord Jesus Christ, has ever been and always will be the first principle of His eternal gospel, the first step out of despair.” - Jeffrey R. Holland, “Broken Things to Mend,” Ensign, April 2006

1/16/10
“Nothing is more fundamental to authentic religion than the attitude of faith, that childlike willingness to become ‘as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to his father.’ (Mosiah 3:19.) As we read in Proverbs, ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.’ (Proverbs 3:5.) For the sublime example, picture Abraham, the Father of the Faithful, standing over his only son, Isaac, with a raised knife. God had asked him to submit his will to God's direction under circumstances so utterly contrary to reason that Abraham could only bow his head in "fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12; see also Mormon 9:27.)” - Bruce C. Hafen and Marie K. Hafen, “The Belonging: The Atonement and Relationships with God and Family,” p. 136

1/20/10
“An unwavering faith in Christ is the most important need of the world today. It is more than a mere feeling. It is power that moves into action, and should be in human life the most basic of all motivating forces.” - David O. McKay, “Conference Report,” April 1966, Second Day—Morning Meeting, p. 58

10/23/15
Brothers and sisters, remember Nephi and the sons of Mosiah, who had spiritual experiences and then acted in faith so that answers came and their faithfulness grew. Contrast this with Laman and Lemuel, who doubted and murmured. Even though they sometimes acted in worthwhile ways, work without faith is dead. We must have faith with works to receive answers. - James B. Martino, “Turn to Him and Answers Will Come,” Ensign (CR) November 2015

2/4/16
Without our religious faith, without recognizing the reality and necessity of spiritual life, the world makes no sense, and a nonsense world is a place of horror. Only if the world has meaning at a spiritual level is it possible for human beings to keep going, to keep trying. As Hamlet so wisely implored, so should we: "Angels and ministers of grace defend us!" (act 1, scene 4, line 39). - Jeffrey R. Holland, "Look to God and Live," Ensign (CR), November 1993, p.13

2/14/16
If you take each challenge one step at a time, with faith in every footstep, your strength and understanding will increase. You cannot foresee all of the turns and twists ahead. My counsel to you is to follow the direction of the Savior of the world: "Be not afraid, only believe.” - James E. Faust, "Pioneers of the Future: 'Be Not Afraid, Only Believe’," Ensign (CR), November 1997, p.42

4/24/16
May we choose to build up within ourselves a great and powerful faith which will be our most effective defense against the designs of the adversary—a real faith, the kind of faith which will sustain us and will bolster our desire to choose the right. Without such faith, we go nowhere. With it, we can accomplish our goals. - Thomas S. Monson, “Choices,” Ensign (CR) May 2016

6/27/16
From the Bible, the greatest teacher of all gave us the secret time and time again. He said, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." (Mark 9:23.) - M. Russell Ballard, “Providing for Our Needs,” Ensign (CR), May 1981, p.85

10/18/16
We were never expected “to have a perfect knowledge of things” during this mortal existence. Instead, we are expected to “hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” – W. Mark Bassett, “For Our Spiritual Development and Learning,” Ensign (CR) November 2016

 
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