President Joel Beckstrand
Stake Presidency Second Counselor
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
“One of mortality’s great tests comes when our beliefs are questioned or criticized” (Elder Robert D. Hales).
Recently, my thoughts have been returning often to the lessons and principles taught in the seventh chapter of Jacob in the Book of Mormon. The prophet Jacob relied on the Lord and on his unshakable testimony to overcome the false ideas and arguments of Sherem, an anti-Christ.
Individuals may question or challenge our beliefs in person or through the internet or other media. Not all people who question or criticize our faith have the same motives as Sherem. While some people like Sherem deliberately seek to destroy faith, others may question our faith because they are curious or because they have been misinformed concerning our beliefs. At other times, like the circumstances that we find ourselves in today, our faith can be challenged by our current situation.
When Jacob’s faith was challenged, he chose to remember past experiences that had strengthened his faith.
What are some experiences that have strengthened your faith? How can remembering these experiences help you when your faith is challenged?
Three principles that we learn from Jacob's experience:
We learn from verse 8 that we can overcome challenges to our faith by relying on guidance from the Holy Ghost.
We learn from verses 9-12 that we can overcome challenges to our faith by relying on the words of prophets and sharing our testimonies of the gospel.
We learn from verses 13-14 that we can overcome challenges to our faith by trusting in the Lord and leaving the outcome in His hands.
As we appropriately respond to faith challenges, we can help others turn to the Lord.
“Through the years we learn that challenges to our faith are not new, and they aren’t likely to disappear soon. But true disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition” (Elder Robert D. Hales).
Our prayer is that we might all see opportunities and act as true disciples of Christ as we continue to study, pray, and minister in the midst of our current circumstances. May we remain unshakable in our testimonies as we remember the experiences that have built and strengthened our faith.
We love you and pray for the Lord’s blessings upon you.
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