Mark 4 Faith Future, Solutions

Sea of Galilee

Jesus was asleep in the boat during a violent storm.  Frightened, the disciples awoke him and asked if he even cared that they were about to perish.  With majesty, might, and priesthood power, Jesus calmed the tempest. Then he asked, "Why are ye so fearful?" (Mark 4: 36-40).

Suddenly the story faded and it was as if the Savior were standing before me asking the same question.

"Why are ye so fearful?"

Yes, why?  Why?

I'm trying to so hard to exercise faith.  I pray sincerely.  I read my scriptures.  I sing hymns when I'm discouraged.  I identify specific blessings I have.  Why?

As I grapled with the question, the Holy Ghost brought to my mind something I had learned in an institute class about three years ago.  Brother Lee Donaldson showed us the following grid.  The outside of the grid is where our focus and attention are.  The inside of the grid is the result.

The light of inspiration filled my soul.  I have been focusing way to much on the future and the problems.  Not future and solution.

So how do we focus on solutions that yield faith.  Three simple steps:

1.  Learn of Christ.  The more we know his character, the more confidence we put in him (see Bible Dictionary: Faith).

2.  Pray for specific help with problems.  It doesn't matter whether the problems are how to pay hospital bills; the best way to discipline children; or what job to take.  The Lord knows everything and will help us know what to do (see 2 Nephi 9:20).

3.  Get up and act upon our promptings.  Take the first step and be confident that the Lord will magnify our abilities and show us the way.