Without Fear

I never post. I have a hard time finding the time! But sometimes, there is something screaming at me to post. My inspiration comes from a friend named Al Fox. She has an amazing blog that you definitely need to check out. She was in Dave's mission, and was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She now lives in Utah and is amazing at sharing what she believes in. There have been times where I wonder why it is so hard to share what you believe in. It has given me motivation to do the same!

I have found myself reading her blog more than others, and am amazed at her ability to post what she believes! It can be hard to do, as I am finding out as I write this post. But I want to share what I have been thinking and learning about lately. And that's it. Just thoughts that I have been having.

Today I am writing about faith. And patience. And trusting without fear. As I was reading my scriptures today in the Book of Mormon, Mosiah Chapter 23: 21-28 stood out. The question I had was having to do with trials and hardships. And finding relief during these times. In this chapter, Alma had forsaken King Noah, and had established a people who believed and followed God's commandments. They began to prosper and were doing so good, when the Lord decided to chasten them, and they were brought into bondage by the Lamanties. These scriptures deal with their trial of being in bondage to the Lamanites. However, they apply directly to our lives and our trials.

v. 21-The Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.

The Lord sent us to the earth to be tried and to grow. He give us experiences when He will test our patience and faith. We are meant to be chastened. We all have to learn patience and faith. Patience can be waiting a long time to overcome a trial, or waiting for something we desire in our lives. Faith is knowing that you can overcome, receive, and looking up to a better day.

v. 22-Nevertheless, whosoever putteth his trust in him, the same shall be lifted up at the last day.

If you simply trust in the Lord, you will be lifted up-it's that simple. You WILL be lifted up and receive what you desire in His timing. When He sees it fit. So remember, you're learning patience.

v. 23- For behold, I will show unto you that they were brought into bondage, and none could deliver them but the Lord their God.

Only the Lord can lift our burdens and truly deliver us from sorrow, hardship, pain, and suffering. And because He has born our burdens. So who should we seek for comfort? Where can we spend all our efforts in seeking happiness? It is in Him. Only seek for help from Him, because in Him you will find deliverance. Put all your efforts in coming closer to Him and trust in our Savior. And as you do this, you will be delivered from your bondage-just as the people of Alma were.

v. 24- And it came to pass that he did deliver them, and he did show forth his mighty power unto them, and great were their rejoicings.

He DID. Because the people of Alma had patience and faith, and trusted only the Lord to deliver them, He did. Remember that they were a righteous people who kept His commandments and put forth effort in Him. Then, the Lord knew them and so He did- delivered them out of their trials because they trusted in Him. This makes me realize that I need to consistently strive to be one of His-one who know Him, because they serve and live their life through Him.

And then,

v. 27- Alma exhorted them that they should not be frightened but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them.(Don't lose faith and don't fear)

v. 28- Therefore they hushed their fears, and began to cry unto the Lord that he would soften the hearts of the Lamanites, that they would spare them..

Even after all of their faith, Alma had to remind them to not fear and trust in the Lord. Sometimes, we too, need reminders. We need to hear that the only way to be delivered from our trials is to trust in Him and to be patient-because He will deliver us when it is the right time. Until then, we must be patient and trust, and cast outside our fears.

Just always remember, we are here to learn, and the greatest lessons and learning come through the hardest times.

The biggest one for me is to 'hush my fears' or let go of fears. Because there is no fear in faith. So do not fear. Have patience, and trust in Him. There will a brighter day. Things will be ok. We will be happy.

"Look unto me in every thought,
doubt not, fear not"
D&C 6:36

The Savior suffered it ALL for us. So look unto Him, because in Him is peace.