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)

 

SEEDS OF ETERNAL LIFE

 

I have a grandson. A beautiful boy. He is only five as I write this. He is the apple of his mother’s eye, and mine for that matter. I never had a son, only daughters. I marvel how well my daughter teaches her children and I wonder if I was as good as that. I passed many things onto my children: beliefs, principles, habits, traditions, teachings, even weaknesses. It delights me to see that some of our family traditions live on in my daughter’s family. My greatest hope is that I have planted seeds of truths of eternity into their hearts.

I have a daughter who is a returned missionary but no longer lives the gospel. I have come to the end of the road with how much I can do for her, and I know she is now in God’s hands. I hope against hope that one day she will be like Enos and remember the teachings of her youth. Enos gives me hope.

 

The Book of Mormon tells us that whilst hunting one day Enos hungered for a remission of his sins. This hunger came from remembering the words which his father often spoke about eternal life (Enos 1:3,4). We speak many words from day to day but none more important than the ones that uplift, inspire and sow seeds of eternal life in the hearts of those we love. Such were the words which Enos heard his father speak: "But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith.........O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever (Jacob 3:1-2).”

 

So Enos prayed like his father advised and received a remission of his sins, hoping that one day he will hear: "Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father" (Enos 1:27). This hope he owed to his father. Is there a greater hope we can have for our children? And is there a greater example we as parents can follow than the example of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, the defender of the faith, the foe of the anti-Christ, Jacob the believer.

 

I give you my patience

That you might follow your path;

I give you my understanding

That you might love you more;

I give you my forgiveness

That you might learn to love;

I give you my tolerance

That you might grow;

I give you my wisdom

That you might have courage;

I give you my all

As I promised I would,

From my heart into yours;

From mother to son

Forever more

Because a heart can give no more.

• Cathryne Allen

(Art: In The Arms of His Love by Greg Olsen)