After YOUR Faith Comes REVELATION

D&C 63: 9-11

But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe. Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God. Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God; and with whom God is angry he is not well pleased; wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation. 

This scripture has answered a lot of questions for me in regards to the way the the Lord speaks to us. Receiving personal revelation in our own lives, often comes by miracles which include feeling the spirit, thoughts, and feeling led in a decision. In many ways this sounds much like receiving a sign that God is speaking to us. 

The important principle that we learn here is - that we must have faith, and that the miracles, personal revelation, and direction from the Lord can only come AFTER we have exhibited faith. 

I have found that those times that I have gone to my Father in Heaven in prayer in the temple or in my home, if I lack confidence that He wants to give me answers, or that He will help me, then I do not receive the direction that I am seeking. 

Those times that I have unwavering faith that He is aware of me and desires to guide, comfort, or be there for me in my trials, are the times that miracles and signs come to strengthen the faith that I already have.  

This understanding can be of great help to those whom are seeking to know God is there? The faith is the prerequisite for those signs, and miracles that are a reward for the blind belief. 

I find it very merciful that the Lord requires faith before the sign, answer, or miracle.

 As Father does this He is protecting His child from further condemnation.

 Consider.... if a person would only believe after being given a sign, do you think that person would have the needed strength to move forward in action upon seeing a miracle, once the miracle or sign was gone? 

No, because action requires sustained, and determined decision. 

Father requires the prerequisite of faith, in order that those who receive miracles, and signs are well prepared in advance having obtained the gift of spiritual strength that they will need to take that witness and move it into action in their lives, as well as sharing the testimony with others in order to produce more faith for everyone!

I. " Faith is a REAL POWER, not just an expression of belief " - Boyd K. Packer

II. " Acting on even a twig of faith allows God to grow it." - President Henry B. Eyring

III. " Faith is the moving cause of all action." - Joseph Smith 

                A. 

Ether 12: 6

• Book of Mormon

6And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; 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. 

              B. 

1 Peter 1: 7

• New Testament

7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 

               C.

3 Nephi 19:35

• Book of Mormon

And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying he came again to the disciples, and said unto them: So great faith have I never seen among all the Jews; wherefore I could not show unto them so great miracles, because of their unbelief. 

I hope that I  can always obtain the faith that I will need to always receive miracles, signs, and answers to my prayers. I feel deeply blessed that I have been given the gift of unwavering faith that my Father in Heaven hears and answers my prayers. I know with every part of who I am that my Father in Heaven blesses my life each day through miracles, comfort, unseen angels, and tender mercies. I can witness that I know without doubt,  if a person seeks to receive answers to prayers, or guidance in their lives knowing that Father in Heaven wants to help them, they will receive a sign, miracle, or feeling that He is aware and helping them on the course back to Him. 

With great gratitude that I will never be able to fully express I am overwhelmed with a knowledge that He is aware of and helping each one of His children, whether or not they are prepared to recognize it with the faith necessary to receive the sign. 

I love Him and want to please Him more than anything else that I want in my life. 

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.