By Study and Also By Faith

For the first time in my life, I can palpably feel the hastening of God's work. There's an electricity in the air; a slightly terrified but eager anticipation of change. Christians of all sects and denominations are binding together as we collectively feel the shift in conscious awareness. God is making Himself known, lines are being drawn, and peace which passeth understanding is permeating the most unlikely of places. General Conference for the LDS church begins this weekend, and with so much happening within the church and the world at large, I am eager to hear what sort of messages will be shared, what guidance will be given, and what sort of instruction will be imparted to help navigate the coming months.

There is an intense eagerness to learn and be instructed in the ways of the Lord. For myself this extends not only to prophets and apostles, but also to my fellow men and their unique insights, to quality pieces of literature and dialogue, to little children and the wonder of nature. Everything and everyone becomes a lesson in the Divine the moment I decide to elevate my vision to a holier sphere. I find that the only conversations to which I'm drawn are those of a spiritual nature. If it's not bringing my attention to Christ, I'm not interested. It's almost as though the daily, run of the mill topics have become too dull to compare with the excitement of Gospel-induced growth. Now that my seeking has become more intentional, its amazing the methods God uses to teach me. As Elder Neal Maxwell taught, “To those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, it is clear that the Father and the Son are giving away the secrets of the universe!”

It is my experience that God is always offering us more — more wisdom, understanding, blessings, abundance, miracles, joy, and progression. It is we who put a cap on what we receive, and any stagnation we experience is our doing alone. "The well of Providence is deep. It is the buckets we bring to it that are small." I wonder how much our lives would be permanently altered if we stopped playing small with the Lord. He does not ration out his wisdom or love, so why do we expect—and therefore receive—only crumbs from the feast and wonder why we are starved? How would it be to fill our plates with the variety of sustenance He has supplied? Who would we become if we were well-nourished and vibrant for His cause?

This is a time in history when we have access to information as never before. Heavenly Father has prepared light and knowledge for us in endless ways and methods that are specifically tailored to our individual journeys and needs. The Prophet Joseph said, "One of the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism is to receive truth — let it come from where it may." I love that we can rely on the Lord to not only bless our paths, but to make them replete with wonder as we continually interact with Light wherever we find it. For those of us who seem to have more questions than answers, I would say this: Casual study of the scriptures is not enough. Answers are the result of earnest seeking, not occasional effort. When was the last time we searched through books and archives with ravenous intent to be fed? When was the last time we fasted alone to become more susceptible to revelation? The Lord would have an industrious people, in every sense of the word. If there is topic about which we “have not faith, [then] seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118)

These times are perilous, war-torn, and frightening. Darkness seems to sweep over everything and we are left to wonder how much the world can stand before it implodes and all hell breaks loose in every corner. Yet in the midst of the chaos, I sense a resurgence of order. In this never-ending night, the daylight is waking. Conflict of every kind surrounds us, but peace is making her comeback. Even as despair rears its ugly head, hope stands tall above the rest. And while the devil laughs with his chain around the earth, Christ stands in His glory ready to liberate her inhabitants.

Let us be ready to meet Him when he arrives. Let us work tirelessly to do good in His name while simultaneously extending to others, and ourselves, the patience necessary when we inevitably fall short. Be kind to your frailty, extend mercy so that you may receive it. Be ready to receive miracles, expect them, and rejoice in the goodness of the eternal God who knows you by name and calls you to Him ceaselessly.

I invite all to listen to the words of God's servants this weekend. Come prepared with your questions and doubts, but more importantly, come prepared with your faith, even just your desire to believe. Lay every piece of you on the altar — the good, the bad, the ugly — and give your Heavenly Father the chance to make a miracle of your sacrifice. As apostle Jeffery Holland said, "Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe."



The Latter-Day Saint General Conference is held Saturday and Sunday. Watch it here:

https://www.youtube.com/@churchofjesuschristgeneralconf



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