Sunday Lesson

Lesson # 17 The Strengthening Power of Faith given by Traci Cline

In 1919, George Albert Smith was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and called as president of the European mission. Due to hard economic conditions at the close of World War 1, government officials were reluctant to issue visas to foreigners and there were very few missionaries as a result. He had great faith that the Lord would open a way for missionaries to be allowed to come back and preach the gospel to a word in need of it's message and President Smith was able to gain audience with the Minister of Labor and achieve the desired results.

Without faith, we cannot please God. It is a moving cause of action.
It was by faith that Noah built the arc.
It was by faith that Lot and his family were preserved in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra.
Daniel in the lions den was protected through his faith.
By faith the prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume his offering.
Faith enabled the disciples of Jesus to endure persecution and it was the power of faith the Jesus performed His many miracles.
Faith led a young boy to kneel in a grove of trees to pray and to eventually receive the sacred records.
Brigham Young led the saints across the plains and settled a new frontier by faith.

President Smith reminded a young missionary to remember to give the Lord a chance, to ask Him to open the way and then act on that faith that this is indeed the Lord's work and He will prepare the way for the work to be accomplished.

Faith is a gift from God to the righteous. It is a fruit of righteous living and if we feel we are lacking in faith, we can renew our efforts to keep the commandments, to draw closer to God and trust that we will receive the reward of faith.