In every stage of life, from the triumphs to the trials, we face circumstances that test our strength, our resolve, and sometimes even our beliefs. Yet, through it all, there are foundational principles that offer guidance, comfort, and hope. Faith, hope, and agency are not just abstract ideals; they are essential tools that empower us to navigate life’s most difficult challenges. In the Book of Mormon, the teachings in Ether 12–15 present powerful lessons on how these principles can guide us. They show how faith, when acted upon, leads to growth and transformation, how hope anchors us in times of uncertainty, and how our choices, especially when guided by faith, shape our lives.
Faith Requires Action
Faith is often misunderstood as a passive state of belief, a simple wish or desire for things to be better. However, true faith is active, dynamic, and requires us to make a deliberate choice to trust in God, even when the outcome is not immediately clear. As the prophet Moroni wrote, “You receive no witness until after the trial of your faith” (Ether 12:6). This scripture captures a profound truth: it is only through the testing and exercise of faith that we come to understand and receive the blessings God has prepared for us.
Faith is not something that can be fully realized through mere wishful thinking; it requires action. President Russell M. Nelson has often taught that “faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life.” It is this kind of faith—one that propels us into action—that has the power to move mountains. These mountains may not be physical obstacles, but they are very real challenges we face, such as fear, doubt, or despair. Whether in our personal struggles, our relationships, or our professional endeavors, faith enables us to overcome barriers that would otherwise seem insurmountable.
Acting in faith often requires courage. It means stepping into the unknown, trusting that God will guide our steps. Even when the path ahead is obscured, faith allows us to take that first step, knowing that the rest will follow as we continue to trust in Him. The challenges we face are not only opportunities for growth but are often the very circumstances that enable God’s miracles to unfold in our lives.
Hope Anchors the Soul
Hope is intrinsically tied to faith. In Ether 12:4, we read, “Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world… which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men.” This powerful image of hope as an anchor is crucial to understanding its role in our lives. Just as an anchor holds a ship steady amidst turbulent waters, hope rooted in faith gives our souls stability amid life’s storms. It helps us maintain direction and composure when the seas of life are rough.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has beautifully explained that “faith means trusting God in good times and bad, even if that includes some suffering.” Hope, then, is not a vague wish or fleeting desire; it is a confident expectation that God’s promises will come to pass, no matter how challenging our present circumstances may be. Hope is what enables us to hold on, to keep moving forward, even when the road ahead is unclear.
When we choose to believe in God and act in faith, our hope becomes an unshakeable anchor. This hope doesn’t simply make us passive observers of life’s events, but it actively empowers us to press forward with patience, endurance, and a sense of purpose. Through this kind of hope, we begin to see challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for growth, knowing that with God’s help, we can navigate through them.
Humility and Grace in Weakness
Faith does not require perfection. In fact, it thrives in an environment of humility and acknowledgment of our weaknesses. In Ether 12:27, Moroni writes, “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness… and my grace is sufficient.” This profound declaration reminds us that our weaknesses are not a sign of failure but a reminder of our need for divine help. It is in recognizing our limitations that we open the door for God’s grace to work in our lives.
Weaknesses are not obstacles to faith but rather opportunities for spiritual growth. When we humble ourselves, acknowledging our need for God, we make room for His grace to transform us. Rather than seeing our weaknesses as something to be ashamed of, we can view them as opportunities for God’s strength to be made manifest.
President Henry B. Eyring taught that as we trust God and act on His guidance, our faith will grow. Over time, we will be overwhelmed with gratitude as we see how God has helped us overcome our weaknesses, turning them into strengths. Humility is not a sign of weakness but a powerful tool that allows us to tap into divine strength. As we rely on God’s grace, we become better, stronger, and more resilient.
The Consequences of Rejecting Faith
The Book of Mormon is filled with both uplifting examples of faith and cautionary tales of the consequences of rejecting it. Ether 15 offers a sobering account of the downfall of the Jaredites, whose rejection of faith led to their destruction. Their pride, hardened hearts, and disregard for God’s commandments resulted in the loss of divine protection and guidance. The Spirit of the Lord ceased to strive with them, and the consequences were devastating (Ether 15:19).
This tragic account serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of our choices. God has given us agency—the ability to choose between good and evil, between faith and unbelief. How we use our agency will determine the course of our lives. When we reject faith, we are essentially rejecting God’s help and guidance. In doing so, we invite sorrow, confusion, and ultimately regret into our lives.
However, the story of the Jaredites also underscores the potential for redemption. Just as the people of the Nephites were given opportunities to repent and turn back to God, so too can we. The consequences of rejecting faith may be severe, but they are not final. Through sincere repentance and a return to God, we can be restored to His grace and protection.
Applying Faith Today
The lessons from the Book of Mormon, particularly in the teachings of Ether and Moroni, are as relevant today as they were in ancient times. Faith, hope, and agency are not just principles for the past; they are for the present and future as well. These principles are not reserved for prophets or leaders but are available to everyone who seeks them, no matter their background or circumstances.
To apply faith and hope in your life, consider these actions:
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Act in Faith: Even when you don’t have all the answers or when the path ahead is unclear, take the first step in trust. Faith often requires courage, but it is through action that miracles are made possible.
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Choose Hope: Let hope guide your perspective, focusing on God’s promises rather than your present difficulties. Hope isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a firm belief that God will fulfill His promises.
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Humble Yourself: Recognize your weaknesses and invite God’s grace into your life. Humility opens the door for divine strength to work through you, allowing you to grow and overcome life’s challenges.
Life’s storms are inevitable—no one is exempt from trials. But with faith as your foundation and hope as your anchor, you can navigate these challenges with peace and resilience. Ether and Moroni’s lives remind us that God’s promises are sure. By trusting in Him, we can move forward with confidence and purpose, knowing that His grace will empower us to overcome all things.
Conclusion: Faith and Hope as Keys to Resilience
Faith and hope are not merely abstract concepts; they are the keys to resilience and joy. These principles empower us to move forward, even in the face of adversity. Like an anchor that keeps a ship steady, faith and hope ground us, providing the strength we need to endure life’s inevitable storms. By trusting in God and relying on His grace, we can navigate life’s challenges with hope, peace, and confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
Faith and hope are not only tools for surviving but are also the keys to thriving. When we align our lives with these principles, we unlock the ability to experience growth, healing, and divine miracles in ways that we might never have imagined. Through faith and hope, we can overcome anything and find joy in the journey, no matter the obstacles we face.
Sources
- Book of Mormon Passages: Ether 1:33–34; 12:1–2, 4, 6, 24, 27; 15:19.
- President Russell M. Nelson: “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” General Conference, April 2021.
- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “Waiting on the Lord,” General Conference, October 2020.
- President Henry B. Eyring: “Trust in God, Then Go and Do,” General Conference, October 2010.
