Faith and Character July 14, 2013

On Faith and Character

Written 8 months out

July 14, 2013

Reading through some of my past notes on my iPhone while I was walking this morning, I came across this about faith and character... 

Wow! Has this been an enlightening journey.


With what I know now..., 

I'm not sure I could choose to go back... 

even if it would save my husband.

I never thought I would be able to say that, but I'm beginning to see how much I needed this experience. 

...And even though it is sooooo hard,

 if it qualifies me to be back with Scott and my Savior again some day,

 then I can suck it up. 

As my son who just left on a mission said, 

"Bring it on! Do your worst. I'm ready to face it."

“Faith and character are intimately related. Faith in the power of God and obedience to the commandments of God will forge strength of character available to you in times of urgent need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is intended to be used. Your exercise of faith in true principles builds character; fortified character expands your capacity to exercise more faith. As a result, your capacity and confidence to conquer the trials of life is enhanced. Character is woven patiently from threads of applied principle, doctrine, and obedience.”

“We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day."

" Righteous character is a precious manifestation of what you are becoming. Righteous character is more valuable than any material object you own, any knowledge you have gained through study, or any goals you have attained no matter how well lauded by mankind. In the next life your righteous character will be evaluated to assess how well you used the privilege of mortality.”

“Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and when acted upon are confirmed.”

“What are some of the empowering principles upon which faith is based?

• Trust in God and in His willingness to provide help when needed, no matter how challenging the circumstance. 

• Obedience to His commandments and a life that demonstrates that He can trust you. 

• Sensitivity to the quiet promptings of the Holy Spirit. 

• Courageous implementation of that prompting. 

• Patience and understanding when God lets you struggle to grow and when answers come a piece at a time over an extended period.

“Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith” (Ether 12:6).

 "Thus, every time you try your faith—that is, act in worthiness on an impression—you will receive the confirming evidence of the Spirit. As you walk to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty, exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions you would not obtain otherwise. With even your strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you, when it will yield the greatest advantage. Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. That causes your faith to increase and your character to grow.”

- Richard G Scott