FAITH IN CHRIST WILL
MOVE MOUNTAINS
The desire to climb mountains is a uniquely personal experience, often fueled by a combination of factors. The need for a challenge, the reward of overcoming, the confidence one gains as one successfully problem-solves, and a wonderful connection to nature are all things that can motivate a person to take on such a difficult task. But a person cannot show up at base camp without having done any of the required mental, emotional, or physical preparation and expect to reach the summit of Mount Everest. It takes work. It takes effort to achieve this monumental goal.
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So it is with faith. Often, faith is seen as an innate quality a person possesses. But in reality, all people gain faith in the same way. It starts with desire.
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When the Lord’s disciples asked Him to increase their faith, He didn’t lay His hand on them and give them more faith. Instead, He described what they could do if they had more faith.
"If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it would obey you." (Luke 17:6 KJV)
At another time, the Lord told His disciples:
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"If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." (Matthew 17:20 KJV)
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The Lord’s answers gave His disciples the one thing they needed to begin their journey to greater faith. Desire. Think about it. What mountain would you move if you had faith? Doesn’t the thought of seeing those mountains move fill you with the desire for greater faith?
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Russell M. Nelson, Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said:
“Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of all belief and the conduit of divine power. Everything good in life - every potential blessing of eternal significance - begins with faith. Allowing God to prevail in our lives begins with faith that He is willing to guide us. True repentance begins with faith that Jesus Christ has the power to cleanse, heal, and strengthen us. … It is our faith that unlocks the power of God in our lives. Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life, even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.”
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If reading this gives you the desire to have greater faith, then the next step is to go to work. Put in the effort to increase your faith in Jesus Christ. Learn of Him, read His words, then choose to believe His words. Believe that He will do what He has said He will do.
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Next, act in faith. President Nelson said, “Receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith. Partake of sacred ordinances worthily. Ordinances unlock the power of God for your life. Ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help.”
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Doing these things will help your faith grow until the time comes that you can move your mountains through your faith in Jesus Christ.
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These images were inspired by President Nelson’s talk Christ in Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains., Luke 17:6, and Mathew 17:20 KJV. If you would like to read more, you are invited to follow this link.
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