“Act in Faith,” New Era, January 2020, 10–11
Act in Faith
Our theme this year is centered on the words “go and do,” a bold declaration given by the faithful Book of Mormon prophet Nephi in 1 Nephi 3:7. But perhaps the most comforting part of this verse comes when Nephi teaches that the Lord will always “prepare a way” for His work to be accomplished.
The belief that God will prepare the way before you comes from a place of profound faith. Nephi knew that if God asked him to do something, God would also help him to accomplish the task. And we know that because of Nephi’s faith and confidence in the Lord, he was able to successfully retrieve the brass plates.
Like Nephi, we can have the faith to “go and do.” You may not always understand the “why” behind instructions from Church leaders or parents or even promptings from the Holy Ghost. It won’t always make sense, or it may even seem like it’s impossible to accomplish. But “with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). As you step forward with faith, you will find that God always has a reason and a plan.
God will never ask you to do something that He knows you cannot do. He will never simply set you up to fail. But He may ask you to do something that requires strong faith and reliance on the Spirit for guidance.
The key to acquiring the faith to “go and do” is developing confidence. When you have confidence in the Lord, you trust that He will make you equal to every task. Think about it—you were sent to the earth at this time because you are ready and capable to do the Lord’s work here and now. You have been chosen to live at this time because the Lord trusts you.
The blessings you receive for acting with faith and confidence are incredible. You will come to know your identity and purpose in a greater and more focused perspective; you will increase your trust in Jesus Christ and His Atonement; and you will know that, with the Lord’s help, you are enough.