Nephi explained that his brothers murmured because they didn't understand God's dealings. As the Israelites discovered in the wilderness, those dealings include delayed gratification, giving us space to develop faith in Him. We usually associate complaining with discomfort, but a pattern of murmuring represents a retreat to the familiar and an unwillingness to trust God.
A Way for Moses, a Way for Nephi, and a Way for the Jaredites
God helped Moses, Nephi, and the Jaredites all to cross large bodies of water. He helped them each in a different way, tailored to their needs and circumstances. God will always provide a way for us to accomplish His purposes, but it isn't always the same way, so we need to be adaptable.
Faith and Asymmetric Knowing
Joseph's brothers didn't recognize him, which enabled them to prove themselves to him. Periods of not knowing can create powerful opportunities for growth, strengthening relationships, and building faith.
Two Coats: Obedience, Loss, and New Beginnings in the Life of Joseph
Joseph lost both his outer garment and his freedom twice. His brothers stripped him of his coat and sold him into slavery. Potiphar's wife used his outer garment to falsely accuse him. But he remained faithful through both trials. Don't let repeated setbacks shake your faith.
The Trial of Your Faith
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.