The Power of Faith

Often, individuals find the concept of faith vague and even unnecessary. So many rely on what they see and what they have experienced to make decisions and develop their beliefs. Logic and evidence, rather than faith, are accepted as credible motives behind a decision. The prophet Alma explained, “faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith, ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21). However, faith is also so much more. Faith is a principle of action, the driving power behind success, miracles, and salvation. Gospel scholar James E. Talmage stated, “Faith is the secret of ambition, the soul of heroism, the motive power of effort.” Simply, faith is the motivating force behind all action. We do something with an expected outcome, and that expectation comes from faith—a hope that the result will be consistent with the truth that we have come to understand. Faith, then, is just as relevant as logic and evidence.

However, scholar Bruce R. McConkie warned that faith alone will only produce so much. “There is no salvation in that general principle of faith alone, that moving cause of action, which causes the farmer to plant his seed with the unseen hope that it will bear grain. But there is faith unto salvation when Christ is the focal point in which the unseen hope centers.” Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, then, is a source of power so great that it can bring those that have it salvation. McConkie continued, “Accordingly the Prophet explained ‘that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.’ These he named as: 1. ‘The idea that he actually exists’; 2. ‘A correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes’; and 3. ‘An actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will.’” Therefore, sincere belief in the existence of Jesus Christ, an unadulterated understanding of his nature, and righteous living in accordance to his commandments are each necessary in order for faith to have true power in an individual’s life.

With faith in Christ, an individual may be privileged to certain blessings, and even miracles. McConkie explained, “Miracles, signs, the gifts of the Spirit, the knowledge of God and godliness, and every conceivable good thing—all these are the effects of faith; all of these come because faith has become the ruling force in the lives of the saints. Conversely, where these things are not, faith is not.” The scriptures are filled to bursting with accounts of miracles and other workings done by faith. Christ himself performed countless miracles during his ministry on the earth. Instructing his apostles, He said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). We have access to the power of faith, if only we have faith in Christ. Of course, even if you had great faith, miracles would only be possible if they were in accordance with God’s will.

In Ether 12, Moroni lists many miracles and wonders performed by the power of faith. Below is a compilation of these miracles by verse:

7	Christ showed himself to the world after his resurrection.
8	Christ prepared a way for all men to be resurrected; he gave all a reason to hope.
10	Men were given the Priesthood of God.
11	God gave men the Law of Moses, and Christ then came to fulfill it and give a higher law.
13	Alma and Amulek were freed from prison because the prison walls fell around them.
14	The Lamanites’ hearts were changed, and they were baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
15	Ammon performed a miracle—and all others who perform miracles do so by faith.
17	The Three Nephites are protected from death and roam the earth to teach God’s word.
19	When Christ came, some saw beyond the veil.
20	The Brother of Jared was able to see the finger of God.
22	The Book of Mormon was brought forth in modern times.
23	Many writers of the Book of Mormon were made mighty in speech.

Faith enabled each of these things to come to pass. One experience in particular, that of Alma and Amulek after they were cast into prison, shows how faith bestows power on those who have it.

A group of judges and lawyers captured Alma and Amulek and had cast them into prison because they spoke of God:

And it came to pass that they all went forth and smote them, saying the same words, even until the last; and when the last had spoken unto them the power of God was upon Alma and Amulek, and they rose and stood upon their feet.

And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them.

And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and the priests, and the teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof.

And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ. . .  (Alma 14:25-28)

These two men were strengthened both physically and spiritually to withstand their afflictions. They had faith that God would assist them, and they acted in faith with the power of God. A miracle was performed, and they were saved.

Although so many miracles have occurred throughout history, some individuals believe that miracles are impossible now. However, I claim that miracles are not only possible today, but they occur often. The prophet Mormon wrote, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and has sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased, wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain” (Moroni 7: 27, 37). The problem today is the same one Mormon spoke of. Unbelief and doubt abound, and faith is scarce—especially faith in Christ. If people would but have faith, they would witness and partake in miracles.

I have seen many a miracle in my life. I have repented of sins and received forgiveness through the mercy of Christ. I have overcome temptations and endured trials that were too much for me to bear on my own. I have moved the proverbial mountains in my life to achieve success and find joy. And I have an unfailing hope that if I rely on my faith in Christ, I will ultimately achieve salvation and exaltation after I die. Modern day prophet Spencer W. Kimball powerfully bore his testimony of the power of faith, and I would like to add his words to mine. “But know this: that undaunted faith can stop the mouths of lions, make ineffective the fiery flames, make dry corridors through beds of rivers and seas. Unwavering faith can protect against deluge, terminate drouths, heal the sick, and bring heavenly manifestations. Indomitable faith can help us live the commandments and thereby bring blessings unnumbered with peace, perfection, and exaltation in the kingdom of God” (Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Oct. 1952, 50–51).

I encourage you to search for faith, to step into the dark and reach for Christ’s outstretched hand. He is there. He lives. He loves you. I know this not because I have a perfect knowledge of Him, but because He gives me my own tiny, yet profound miracles that could never be explained by logic. I have felt His presence and His love continually. I once stepped into the dark and reached for His hand; He grasped it, and has never let go.

Photo Credit and Quotes from Talmage, McConkie, and Kimball: https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrines-of-the-gospel-student-manual/chapter-13-faith-a-power-that-centers-in-christ?lang=eng