I recently read Either chapter 12. I love it. Moroni states in verse 6, "I would show unto the world that 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."
Sometimes, when faced with a decision or when I'm about to act on an impression, I just wish I could see the outcome -- that I could know how things will end up, or that everything is going to work out. But if the Lord always showed us the path from the beginning to the end, then that would take away our chance to exercise faith.
Alma and Amulek didn't know that the prison would tumble to the ground and they would walk out alive and free (vs 13). Nephi and Lehi didn't know that the Lamanites would indeed change their hearts and become converted (vs 14). Ammon and the sons of Mosiah didn't know that they would see such great miracles come to pass among the Lamanite people (vs. 15). "and neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith" (vs 18).
I have had numerous experiences where I wanted to keep the commandments, but I didn't know how it would work out. For example in choosing not to work on a school project on Sunday, or choosing to read my scriptures in the morning even when I was tired and my time to study for an exam was limited, or choosing to leave the theater even though all of my friends stayed. Would I get the project done? Would I pass the test? Would my friends still talk to me?
All I can say is that in every case the Lord has stepped in and taken care of me. He has far exceeded any expectations, and through His power I was given the strength I needed. I have seen miracles come to pass. I know with all my heart that the same Lord who tumbled down the walls of the prison, who parted the Red Sea, who shut the mouths of lions, is the same Lord who will stand by us today. It takes faith in Him. We have to believe that He is there, that He is able, and that He will even work miracles for US! And He will... after the trial of our faith.
I would like to add my testimony to your Janessa of the realty of the blessings that come after the trial of our faith. I know too that the more we practice having faith, the more our testimonies and our faith grows.
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