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On Faith
Russ and Deb Nielsen
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Keeping faith in God can overcome trials in life
As Mormons we often talk about our faith in Christ and our Heavenly Father. Trying to be Christ-like often can bring trials in life as our faith grows. There are times in life when we are enjoying wonderful blessings -- a new baby, a new car, a new job, another birthday, a new day because we've been healed from illness or a special vacation -- only to be hit by one of life's trials.
We love God's blessings and we dislike Satan's trials. In fact, these are the kind of times in life that we seem to specialize in at our house. Satan just loves to spoil our joy in hopes that we will lose pieces of our faith.
Recently after pushing through two years of concentrated studies in college with students the age of our own children, my husband, Russ, graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and highest honors. Even though he had other degrees, this one was the one he was most proud of. He felt God had been with him each step of the way.
Next, we went through three months of no income and searching for a new job. God gave Russ a job that fit his abilities like a glove with all the perks one could have. We felt so blessed and so excited. We knew God was behind it all, it was His gift.
My husband has loved surfing since he was young, and he goes out at least once a week now. He felt especially good out on the waves the Saturday before he was to start work on Tuesday. Then, all of the sudden, someone else's surfboard came down on top of him. His left hand (his dominant one) was forced back toward his arm. It was painful, swollen and bruised. Worst of all were the nervous feelings of possible difficulties at his new job and the loss of some of the tremendous joy he had felt. Even his heart was in pain.
Russ started work with a bandage wrapped tight around his hand. He managed pretty well, and his boss was as pleased as Russ about the lack of difficulty it seemed to cause. The swelling went down in a couple of weeks, but Russ couldn't pick up a glass of water, let alone something heavier. The doctor asked Russ to come in for an X-ray. Sure enough, he had broken a bone in his hand down near the wrist. The doctor saw it was out of alignment and not healing well.
Ten days later, on the wings of many prayers, Russ went into the surgeon's office. After reviewing a new X-ray, the doctor came in to speak with Russ. To his and Russ' surprise, in just 10 days the bone was aligned and healing well. All that was needed was for Russ to take it easy with his hand while it finished healing.
Here we were again, on the doorstep of joy. Our hearts are filled with praise over the miracle of physical healing knowing God had been with us each step of the way. Satan hasn't pressed our faith with a new trial yet, but when he does, I am sure spoiled joy won't bring spoiled faith.
Russ and Deb Nielsen are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ewa Beach 2nd Ward, and serve as the church magazine representatives.