My study of the scriptures has had a profound effect on my life. As I have studied, I have grown closer to God and found answers to real challenges in my life. This blog is a scripture journal that records insights I have discovered in the past and continue to gain as I search, ponder, and pray.

Monday, April 11, 2011

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.
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Posted by Michelle at 8:38 AM

3 comments:

  1. Katie JeanApril 12, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    So I've been looking at my life with the grid you posted and it works. I've been so afraid and full of doubt just latly and it's really becouse of the past solutions I could have made and the future problems I'm about to face.

    Thinking of the future now I for the first time in months I'm not afraid, I know I can do it! I think of a scripture in Proverbs 3: 5-6 that says:
    "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding... and he shall direct thy paths."
    I feel like this was just for me. To trust in him and his solutions for the future.
    thank you for sharing this!

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  2. MichelleApril 12, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Thanks for your comment Katie. I pray for your future solutions, too!

    ReplyDelete
  3. BrettApril 14, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    Once again the Book of Mormon helps these passages come alive for me. The Matthew variation of this story says "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Likewise in Matthew 6:30 "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" In my view, the New Testament so often makes it sound like we are condemned for our lack of faith. But 3 Nephi 13:30 "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, EVEN SO WILL HE CLOTHE YOU, IF YE ARE NOT OF LITTLE FAITH." It's not a condemnation, it's a call to action. Not because we're weak, but because through his strength, we can be clothed with power, glory, immortality and eternal life. May he sustain you through your trials.

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