In the years I’ve been blogging, tales of lost or failing faith is a constant and recurring theme in the Bloggernacle. On occasion, someone will relate how they had a Spiritual experience that resolved their difficulty with church history or one of the other confounders of faith. But they are rare, receive few comments, and are quickly forgotten.
It seems many in the Bloggernacle are stuck in the twilight zone of shrunken faith by choice, and when this mindset is challenged by someone who can relate miraculous encounters with the things of the Spirit, they are instantly marginalized by the defenders of the status quo.
There are many ways to handle trials to our faith. We can choose to have our faith incrementally destroyed by “studying”, or increased by “studying—it depends on what we’re allowing to occupy our thoughts. However, studying isn’t the ultimate solution to deal with issues of faith. The Lord teaches us to call upon Him in mighty prayer to acquire the kind of faith needed when we’re in a crisis of faith.
Prayer, fasting and like Spiritual resources seem to allude those who are caught in the vortex of failing faith. In just about every account of those whose faith is overcome, seeking God’s help is often not mentioned, when it is, it is evident there wasn’t the kind of effort made as the Lord requires (Mosiah 11:25).
When my faith was challenged I turned to the Lord and found the promises made in the scriptures, and taught by church leaders, to be attainable, but it took an Enos like effort to realize the promise.
God can and will support us in our difficulties and trials if we diligently seek Him. The gifts of the Spirit are real and powerful and will prevent us from being deceived (D&C 46:8), but we need to be willing to wrestle with the Lord in mighty prayer (Enos 1:2) in order to acquire these blessings.
Now, some who read this will be annoyed or even angry. I ask: what’s up? I’ve told my experience and related my sincere feelings. Isn’t that what those who encourage faithlessness are doing, and are applauded for doing so by those of like mind?
To those who are struggling with their faith, my hope and message is: try it the Lord’s way with as much gusto as you have put into losing your faith. You could have a similar experience as I did, and be forever changed. Go here
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Three years later, here comes my comment: I totally one hundred percent agree with you, Jared. I am very careful to avoid some bloggers and blogs. I need clarity and I need to be uplifted. You and R Gary are my favorites.