{"id":6131,"date":"2012-09-07T21:27:10","date_gmt":"2012-09-08T03:27:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ldswomenofgod.com\/?p=6131"},"modified":"2012-09-07T21:27:10","modified_gmt":"2012-09-08T03:27:10","slug":"the-strengthening-power-of-faith-chapter-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reliefsocietywomen.com\/blog\/2012\/09\/07\/the-strengthening-power-of-faith-chapter-17\/","title":{"rendered":"The Strengthening Power of Faith–Chapter 17"},"content":{"rendered":"

May I just start by saying that this is a great lesson! As I read it, my spirit soared. I was filled with a humble power that I am capable, I am hopeful, and I am blessed.<\/p>\n

There are women, in the Church, who seek power by demanding what the Lord will not give them. And there are women who have discovered the sweet empowering gifts that come from pure and devoted faith.<\/p>\n

What is the difference and how do we claim our desired place?<\/p>\n

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The first thing I reveled in was the list of scripture stories showing examples of faith. These are stories we have all grown up with, but when was the last time we actually read them and soaked in the lessons they can teach us? Here\u2019s a challenge for you: Take the time, this week, to read through each story mentioned.<\/p>\n

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That\u2019s a whole other story: finding the time to do those \u201cextra\u201d things. We all have time to do the things we want to do. Which rung on the\"\"<\/a> Ladder of Time is your faith, and the acts required to exercise it? If you really want to, you will find the time to read these stories, to feel the spirit of them, and to gain a personal witness that they really happened, and that you can experience faithful stories like them in your own life.<\/p>\n

Having faith requires boldness, confidence, and well\u2026faith. The gift received is power. Not power defined by the world. You will feel a holy power that through God all things are possible, probable, and fulfilled in his promises.<\/p>\n

Can you picture Pres. Smith talking in Sir Robert Horne\u2019s office announcing that Great Britain needs what we (the Church) are offering? (pg. 181)<\/p>\n

Pres. Smith\u2019s simple words of guidance, \u201cGive the Lord a chance\u201d, are profound, because they are based on the faith we offer up. \u201cIf you have something that the Lord asks or expects you to do and you don\u2019t know just how to proceed, do your best. Move in the direction that you ought to go; trust the Lord, give him a chance, and he will never fail you.\u201d (pg. 187)<\/p>\n

If we are struggling with this concept, where do our children sit? We must be their examples. We must show them how to do it. Remember, faith is not knowing the result until after the trial, so our children have to see us walking into the dark. We have to show our dependence on our Heavenly Father.<\/p>\n

The following are questions Pres. Smith raises (pg. 186):<\/p>\n