Letting Faith—Not Fear—Be My Influencer
General conference taught me not to let fear override my faith in the Savior.
I am afraid of everything.
OK, scratch that. I’m not afraid of everything, but lately, it feels like everything.
I’m afraid of not being financially secure. I’m apprehensive about the world growing increasingly wicked. And, funnily enough, I am slightly terrified of birds (don’t ask).
All jokes aside, I’m afraid of the future—about things specific to my life, like potential fertility treatments, a worsening chronic illness, and trying to parent future children in such a turbulent world.
While I have always believed I can find reassurance through my faith in Jesus Christ, I recently realized that my faith in Him is not what motivates me much of the time.
Instead, fear is often my default setting.
Sometimes I catch myself wondering:
“Can I really have faith instead of fear? Because looking at my newsfeed, it doesn’t seem like the world is doing too hot!”
My constant need for reassurance affects my faith in what the Savior can help me do. Sometimes I really wonder if I can face everything in life with His help.
So, leading up to general conference, what I really wanted was some clarity and peace.
Peace from General Conference
I’ve gone to the temple, read the Book of Mormon, and prayed for guidance to know how to feel at ease. While those spiritual habits helped me gain some sense of peace, my soul was still longing for something more.
It wasn’t until general conference that I wept tears of relief and joy as I heard inspired words from our leaders.
President Jeffrey R. Holland, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shared: “If, as you labor devotedly, you still feel moments of fear wash over you, remember that it has been so for some of the most faithful and marvelous people in every era of time.”
Ultimately, it was President Russell M. Nelson’s powerful yet simple truth that filled my heart with peace. His words were straight fire! He said:
“There is no limit to the Savior’s capacity to help you. … His infinite Atonement is for you! …
“… If you will make and keep covenants to follow Jesus Christ, you will find that the painful moments of your life are temporary. Your afflictions will be ‘swallowed up in the joy of Christ’ [Alma 31:38].”
I felt my default mode shifting from fear to confidence in my Savior and in myself. Jesus Christ truly can grant me the certainty that my soul longs for daily. By keeping my covenants, I can face whatever lies ahead. I am capable.
I can be still in an ever-shifting world.
The Certainty of Jesus Christ
One of the Savior’s most beautiful promises is one of peace: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
Despite the uncertainties in my life and the harrowing details that appear on my newsfeed, when I am aligning my life with the Savior, there is no need to fear. I can trust that He is the reassurance and security my soul needs.
It’s remarkable, really.
I still need to catch myself when I feel fear creeping in. But when life asks me to face hard, vulnerable, or scary circumstances, because of Jesus Christ, I know I can face them anyway.
As dear President Nelson testified, “The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again. … The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ.”
With that truth, I am determined to let faith—not fear—be my influencer. I hope you can join me in striving to do that too.