12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.
Why does Moroni tell us that if we don’t exercise faith God can do no miracle? We know that God has all power, and there are certainly cases where we are the beneficiaries of miracles without any effort on our part. But Moroni is teaching a true principle here. He is teaching us about some of the “ground rules” of our mortal experience, which necessarily constrain His actions:
- Ground rule #1: Our Heavenly Father will respect our agency. He will not force us to be righteous.
- Ground rule #2: The ordinary sequence of things is that we ask in faith first, and we receive the blessing after. Even though there are some exceptions, this is the normal pattern: “Ask, and ye shall receive” (3 Nephi 27:29).
Why does God require us to ask before we receive? Because as we proactively exercise our faith, we grow, which enables Him to accomplish His overarching goal: our eternal life (Moses 1:39).
Today, I will follow the pattern Jesus taught the Nephites: I will ask in faith, believing that I will receive the blessings I seek. I will remember that miracles follow faith.
great thoughts!
Thank you!