Trials of Faith

My heart is full this Sabbath day.  I love Sundays. I must admit that I do not like having late church, but Sundays always seem to make me smile more.  And on this Sunday, I want to reflect on what I’ve been taught this week in school.

This week in my New Testament class we talked a lot about trials of our faith.  My professor emphasized that we need to change ourselves to conform to what God wants.  He used the example of marriage.  A lot of time in marriage, one partner will pick out things they don’t think about their spouse and will say that they need to change.  However, this normally makes the marriage end in divorce.  Instead, we need to think what do I need to do to change?  This is a good lesson not only for marriage but also for life.  All too often we point out the flaws of those around us, something like I can’t stand when she talks like that or he is so rude and doesn’t know how to act around people.  Instead of focusing on things we don’t like, we should focus on ourselves, because each of us are flawed human beings and no one is perfect.

In addition, my professor also emphasized trials of faith.  In Acts chapter 7, Stephen recounts Old Testament examples of trials of faith, including Abraham, Joseph in Egypt and Moses.  In each story, each character passes his own trial of faith.  But what really got me thinking is that each of us doesn’t have huge trials of faith.  For instance, I won’t have to physically sacrifice my son on an alter nor will I be called to lead my people through the Red Sea.  But how is “my story” different from “history?”  The only difference is the nature of the trials.  Instead of having these huge trials, I merely have human trials, something has simple as not passing a test or not feeling good enough or being sick.  How did these prophets stay faithful? They changed themselves for good so the Lord could work through them.  How did these prophets continue on when the going got rough? They prayed and had faith that this too shall pass.  Too often we think that we can get through things by ourselves.  I think we are prideful in the fact that we believe we don’t need others to help and instead we can rise up on our own or just prepare for the next test of our faith on our own.  Why not rely on our Father in Heaven? He has given us so much and He stands there, waiting for us to rely on Him.  I also believe that we know how to change.  We already know what we’re doing wrong or not doing enough of.  A quote from Boyd K. Packer says “people don’t change because of things they see or hear.  They change because of things they feel.”  Through the Holy Spirit, we can know of how to change and what we need to do to be better.  

I challenge those who actually read my blog to move forward with faith! I am far from perfect but I know that each week I learn new ways to help others and change myself to the person I want to be. I know life is hard but if we pray to God and rely on Him, we will receive the strength to carry on! I love this gospel and I love being at BYU with religion classes. I'm so grateful for all the people in my life who care about me and want to see me succeed. I know I'm a child of God and that I will return to live with Him one day, as long as I follow and keep the commandants. Keep the faith!