Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read about the great persecutions and tribulations that Joseph Smith suffered at the hands of wicked men.  In fact, he needed to leave for a time to get away from them.  But he said that all the saints could rejoice and be glad, knowing that God would mete out a just recompense on the heads of all their oppressors.  D&C 127:1-3 "Forasmuch as the Lord has revealed unto me that my enemies, both in Missouri and this State, were again in the pursuit of me; and inasmuch as they pursue me without a cause, and have not the least shadow or coloring of justice or right on their side in the getting up of their prosecutions against me; and inasmuch as their pretensions are all founded in falsehood of the blackest dye, I have thought it expedient and wisdom in me to leave the place for a short season, for my own safety and the safety of this people. I would say to all those with whom I have business, that I have left my affairs with agents and clerks who will transact all business in a prompt and proper manner, and will see that all my debts are canceled in due time, by turning out property, or otherwise, as the case may require, or as the circumstances may admit of. When I learn that the storm is fully blown over, then I will return to you again. And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it. Let all the saints rejoice, therefore, and be exceedingly glad; for Israel's God is their God, and he will mete out a just recompense of reward upon the heads of all their oppressors."

In the New Testament we read the story of the man sick with palsy whose friends lowered him down into the house where Jesus was so that he could be healed.  This is an example of putting faith into action.  They had so much faith that Jesus could heal their friend, that they went to extreme lenghts to reach Him.  How much effort are we willing to put into drawing close to the Lord?  Mark 2:1-5, 11-12 "And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.  And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  I remember visiting San Francisco years ago and only being able to see part of the Golden Gate bridge because of the fog.  In yet people who live in the area do not panic because they can't see the whole bridge.  They start driving on one end and trust that they'll come out safely on the other end, even though it's invisible at the moment. The bridge is still there even though it's hidden.  Fog doesn't change our landmarks, it only changes our ability to SEE those landmarks. With faith, the situation is similar.  There are days when God's work can clearly be seen in our lives.  Other days fogs of doubt creep in.  Having faith is like knowing landmarks are still there even when fog covers them up.  We trust that God is still there even when there is no visible evidence of Him.  Even on days when we can't see Him at work in our lives, we can trust that He is still there watching over us. And we can know that if we endure in faith, the fog will eventually lift and sunnier days will come.  Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."