UNSHAKEN FAITH

When we think of the power of faith, we usually cast our minds on the Brother of Jared whose power of faith was so strong that the Lord could not be restrained from revealing himself (Ether 3:9-13). We might say, when faith is exercised, God is bound (see James Talmage, Articles of Faith, Chapter 5,  p 103).

There is another story of faith in the Book of Mormon that intrigues me to my core. It is the story of Enos whose faith became ‘unshaken’ in the Lord during his lengthy prayer in the forest (Enos 1:2,11). Faith is mentioned seven times in one chapter that constitutes the book of Enos. So unshaken in his faith Enos became that the Lord told him that his desires will be granted him (v 12, 15). And this was the desire of Enos: that the record of his people be preserved and brought unto salvation of the Lamanites at a future date (v 13). The Lord informed him that his predecessors too have ‘required’ this of Him and that their faith will be honoured also and the records therefore preserved (v 18). So bound did the Lord feel by the faith of these righteous men that he made a covenant with Enos as to the fulfilment of His request (v 16).

This is what fascinates me:

1. A covenant is usually predicated on what the Lord says and not what we say. When He says, “I am bound when you do what I say” (D&C 82:10), it says to my mind that He is the one that sets the terms. Did Enos and his forefathers play such an important part in bringing forth the Book of Mormon? It makes one think that we are all more involved in the salvation process of the human race than we realise, that The Plan of Salvation is not a singular act. All individual efforts go toward the success of the whole.
2. I cannot imagine faith of such magnitude that would bind the Saviour to a covenant. This is something to contemplate seriously for deeper understanding of the power of faith. The only explanation in this instance that is presented to my mind, is the motive of Enos’ faith for preservation of the plates. It was not the plates or the record of his people that he was so determined be brought to light, but what was in them…..and that was, according to Enos’ son Jarom, the revealed Plan of Salvation (Jarom 1:2). According to the Guide to Scriptures, only Jarom and Alma used that term (Alma 24:14; 42:5) in the Book of Mormon. Elsewhere in the scriptures, it is referred to as the Plan of Redemption.

Since Jesus Christ is central to the Father's Plan of Salvation and  Redemption and this is what the keepers of the gold plates desired to be preserved and brought to light, it means only one thing – their faith was grounded in the Saviour of the world. Is it any wonder that the Lord felt bound by their faith? He is a personal God who honours his righteous and faithful people and those who would have him be their God (1 Nephi 17:40). What could we not accomplish if our faith in Him, who possesses all power, is sufficient??? There are yet many more records that need to be brought to light. Are we yearning for more word of God??? Are we praying and asking in faith for these records to be revealed to us or are we leaving it all to God? Do we feel that we have a part in the accomplishment of His righteous purposes? Again, the Plan of Salvation is not a singular act. We are all players and the stage is set. 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: My Father's Work by Chris Brazelton)