Ministering with Hope and Faith

As we keep our covenants with faith, we can help lead others to the Source of hope.

An Example of Hope and Faith

In the Gospel of Mark, we read a touching account about “a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years.” We learn she “had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse” (Mark 5:25–26).

Twelve years is a long time to suffer. Everything is a lot to spend. And she only got worse. If anyone had a right to feel hopeless, it was this woman.

Yet, “when she had heard of Jesus, [she] came in the press behind [him], and touched his garment,” because she believed, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.”

Mark reports that because of her faith, “straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague” (Mark 5:27–29).

The woman’s hope and faith in Jesus were answered with a blessing. “And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague” (Mark 5:34).

In any challenge, no matter the size or the length of time, hope is sorely needed. Fear and despair can paralyze us. But hope and faith in Jesus Christ invite His power and blessings into our lives.

Practicing Hope and Faith in Ministering

As ministering brothers and sisters, we will need to call upon that same hope and faith. Ministering can be both rewarding and challenging. When someone we want to help appears not to want it, it can be easy to lose hope. Perhaps you’re facing this situation now with a family member, a friend, or someone you are currently assigned to help. Perhaps, like the woman with the issue of blood, only the Lord knows how much time and effort you’ve spent trying to find something that helps. But like that woman, if we will find the hope to continue to reach out in faith, the Savior’s power can make a difference.

Sometimes the challenge is ministering to those who are struggling themselves to feel hope enough to exercise faith. There are some who, like the woman in Mark, might face chronic illnesses, financial setbacks, or any number of seemingly overwhelming trials. Knowing they are not alone in their struggles can be a powerful source of hope. We can help them find this hope as we show our willingness to bear their burdens, mourn with them, comfort them, and stand as witnesses of God (see Mosiah 18:9–10).¹

Developing Hope and Faith

How can we develop the Christlike attributes of hope and faith? Here are some thoughts:

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that hope is trusting that Jesus Christ will fulfill His promises to you.² Because “hope is a gift of the Spirit [see Moroni 8:26],”³ it is something for which we can pray (see Doctrine and Covenants 46:7–9).
President Russell M. Nelson taught that increasing faith takes work. He shared how we can increase our faith through study, choosing to believe, acting in faith, partaking of sacred ordinances worthily, and asking Heavenly Father for help.⁴