Why did Abraham have to wait so long to receive promised blessings? Because the space between promise and fulfillment is where faith lives. During that period of uncertainty, Abraham had the opportunity not only to demonstrate his faith but also to refine it.
Abraham, Tent-Dweller
Abraham lived in a tent, even though he was in the promised land. The author of Hebrews explained that he lived in a tent because he was looking forward to a permanent home that only God could provide. The tent indicated that he was rooted in God's promises, not in his current circumstances.
Wise Men: We Have Seen His Star
The Magi responded faithfully to the light they were given. With limited understanding, they recognized a sign from God, undertook a costly journey, and honored the Christ child without understanding all the implications of their journey. Their example teaches that we can accomplish much by acting decisively in faith on revelation from God.
Overcoming Analysis Paralysis with Faith
Nephi entered Jerusalem "not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do." In a series of 1831 revelations, the Lord encouraged this mindset: Act on what you know you should do, and more instructions will follow. You will receive more knowledge after you act in faith.
The Shield of Faith
Like a shield deflecting fiery darts, faith protects and empowers us to press forward. Elder Boyd K. Packer and Sister Joy D. Jones have emphasized building faith at home. Parents can help children prepare spiritually, so they face life’s challenges with confidence, armed with their own handcrafted shields of faith.
Faith and Witnessing
God told Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris that they would see the gold plates after they had obtained faith. Faith is a gift of God, but it still requires effort on our part to obtain it.
Doubt Not
We all have questions. That's a feature of being human. Approaching them with faith in God is a source of power. Approaching them with doubt can cause us to miss the answers. Jesus urged Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to "doubt not." Amplifying our fears and our doubts may inhibit us from taking the very actions which will enable us to resolve them.
“Little Flock”
Jesus said that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is with them. He reiterated that promise to a "little flock" in Harmony, Pennsylvania, consisting of two people: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. God's work is not a numbers game. Small groups can do great things with His power and guidance.
“I Will Provide Means”
The Lord assured Joseph Smith that He would provide means to help Joseph accomplish his assignment. Two months later, as Joseph translated 1 Nephi, he saw the same promise in nearly identical words. God's assignments always come with sufficient resources.
Strengthening the Foundation of Our Faith
Moroni, Alma, and Paul all indicate that faith involves hoping for something which you can't see. Paul adds that faith is the foundation or evidence for that hope. We build faith by having more experiences with God and by doing things which require faith.