SERMON: The Power of Faith

The Power of Faith

 

Jesus was once approached by a woman who had been ill for twelve years. Moved by faith in Christ’s healing power, she pressed through a crowd and touched the hem of his garment. “If I may touch but his cloths,” she said, “I shall be whole” (Mark 5:28). She was immediately healed, and Jesus, sensing that strength had gone from him, asked who had touched him. When the women fell at his feet, acknowledging his blessing, he said, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole” (Mark 5:34 see Mark 5:25-34).

Although few of us have experienced as dramatic a healing as that of this woman, obedience to the Lord’s commandments and faith in him can also bring us a spiritual and physical “Wholeness”. Becoming whole is one of the gospel’s promised blessings, blessings that are dependent upon faith. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “every blessing which is obtained in relation to the plan of salvation is the effect of faith”.

Unwavering faith in Christ blesses our loves because it replaces fear and doubt with the conviction, confidence, and courage to press forward. Faith gives purpose and direction to our lives. Making gospel truths the foundation of our faith gives us hope for the future. Our daily efforts are more productive with faith, and our service is given more wholeheartedly.

We must remember that in our lives faith can heal the sick, can bring comfort to those who mourn, strengthen resolve against temptation and relieve us from harmful habits and most important  it can lend us strength to repent and change our lives by leading us too a sure knowledge of Christ. Christ promises that “If we will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33). When we consider the miracles and mighty works of the ancient prophets, we are impressed with their ability to use the Lord’s power in working righteousness. Equally Inspiring are our members today who continue to walk by faith in all their endeavours, this allows us to bless the lives of others.

Each member of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ can also exercise the power of faith in blessing the lives of others. Most of our individual accomplishments and miracles will be small, quiet ones, performed in our own homes and neighbourhoods, among family and friends. As we express faith through our righteous action, we can each receive power equal to our own tasks and then can bless the lives of others. As the gift of God, as Latter Day Mormons must keep in mind that faith is a gift we must constantly pray for. 

So let us remember that in exercising faith, don’t go out and try and move mountains, but rather go out and start small, do the things that you need to do in your life to get what you ought to have temporally and spiritually.