"Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism."
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If confusion and hopelessness weigh on your mind, choose to “awake and arouse your faculties” (Alma 32:27).
Humbly approaching the Lord with a broken heart and contrite spirit is
the pathway to truth and the Lord’s way of light, knowledge, and peace.
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If your testimony is immature, untested, and insecure, choose to “exercise [even] a particle of faith”; choose to “experiment upon [His] words” (Alma 32:27).
The Savior explained, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of
the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17).
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When logic,
reason, or personal intellect come into conflict with sacred teachings
and doctrine, or conflicting messages assault your beliefs as the fiery
darts described by the Apostle Paul (see Ephesians 6:16), choose to not cast the seed out of your heart by unbelief. Remember, we receive not a witness until after the trial of our faith (see Ether 12:6).
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If your faith is proven and mature, choose to nurture it “with great care” (Alma 32:37).
As strong as our faith is, with all the mixed messages attacking it, it
can also become very fragile. It needs constant nourishment through
continued scripture study, prayer, and the application of His word.
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