In Hebrews 11 we’re taught that “faith is the substance of things hoped for,” though those things may not be realized yet. This stands true through all eras. In the Book of Mormon, one of our many examples of faith comes from the righteous Nephites as they awaited the signs of Christ’s birth that were prophesied by Samuel the Lamanite. Though they were threatened by those around them, they chose to hold to what had been prophesied about the birth of Christ. Jorge Cocco’s “Señales del nacimiento de Jesucristo (Signs of the Birth of Jesus Christ)” illustrates the wonder and excitement the Nephites must have felt as they watched the sun set but no darkness come.
Elder Holland has said, “Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.” (An High Priest of Good Things to Come, October 1999) What righteous things do you hope for? How does your faith provide a foundation to carry on when waiting on the Lord’s timing?
-Lucy Lacanienta, Research Assistant