The world is in shut-down mode as I write this. We are in the middle of a world-wide pandemic and lots of us are panicking and feeling unsure about a lot of things. But this is one of those moments in time where we can actually put our faith into action.  

President Gordon B. Hinckley speaks of faith, in the October 1987 General Conference. His stories include a man who lives on a continent where there are no other “believing people.” This man is looking for Jesus Christ and happens to see His name in the title of a church, in the library. He writes to the headquarters, in Salt Lake City, for more information. Brethren are sent out to talk to him, and baptize him, but they are worried to leave him on his own. His response is,

“God will teach me and help me, and He will be my friend and support.”

He is unafraid because his faith allows him to trust in the Lord completely. 

Another story President Hinckley shares, is the Salamander letter. As we now know the rest of the story, Mark Hoffman forged some documents that fooled even members of our church leadership. When it was all discovered, people left the church because they couldn’t accept that apostles could be fooled like that. But those people forgot that this is Jesus’ true church. Mortals get sidetracked all the time, but when it really matters, people will always be able to look back and see that all along Jesus was protecting and leading those who held onto their faith.

Is this quarantine a time of faith? Maybe not so others feel immediately challenged. But, in the days ahead people will begin to feel a spiritual need. Fear and despondency will set in and they will subconsciously begin to search for something they can’t quite put their finger on.

We all need our faith strengthened from time to time. Our daily tests wear us down and our confidence in God fluctuates sometimes. This is the very reason we are told to read our scriptures daily, pray and seek answers always, and sharpen our spiritual instincts by practicing personal revelation. This personal faith building will eventually be put to the test and we want to be ready. Pres. Hinckley leaves us with a prayer:

“This is my prayer for all of us—Lord, increase our faith. Increase our faith to bridge the chasms of uncertainty and doubt.”

He continues with these words.

“But some few of little faith, who seemingly are always quick to believe the negative, accepted as fact the pronouncements and predictions of the media. … I hasten to add, the vast majority of Church members, all but a very few, paid little attention and went forward with their faithful service, living by a conviction firmly grounded in that knowledge which comes by the power of the Holy Ghost. They knew then and they know now that God watches over this work, that Jesus Christ is the head of this Church, that it is true, and that happiness and growth come of following its precepts and teachings.”

Even though this may not be a faith-bending experience, it might be a faith-trying one. We all are concerned about living through the final days; the end times. We are lucky to still enjoy water, electricity, and the safety of our own homes, this time. Next time may not feel so comfortable. But even still, no matter what we’re asked to pass through, may we be found putting our faith into action, never doubting, never giving up, never leaving the only true security to be found: Jesus Christ.