Faith

Last night we had Family Home Evening. We referred to a story from the Friend, as we usually do. Our lesson was on faith, and we learned the story of Elijah Fordham.

When the Latter-day Saints first moved to the place that would become Nauvoo, it was swampy and full of mosquitoes. Many members became sick and died. Joseph and Emma took sick people into their log home and even gave up their bed. They slept outside in a tent. There was one day that Wilford Woodruff later called “a day of God’s power.” After a morning prayer, Joseph blessed the sick. (Speaking to Brigham Young)
"Brigham, do you have faith enough to be healed?"
"Yes, Joseph, I do."
Joseph and Brigham went to see Elijah Fordham, who was about to die. Each minute was expected to be his last. Joseph took Elijah by the hand. Elijah did not answer at first, but everyone in the room could see the effect of the Spirit of God resting upon him.
"Brother Fordham, do you know me? ... Elijah, do you not know me?"
"Yes!"
"Have you faith to be healed?"
"I’m afraid it is too late. If you had come sooner …"
"Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ?"
"I do, Brother Joseph."
"Elijah, I command you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and be made whole!"
The words Joseph spoke were like the voice of God. They seemed to shake the house, and they caused Elijah to leap from his bed. Healthy color came to Elijah’s face, and he was full of life. He called for his clothes, ate a bowl of bread and milk, and put on his hat. Then he went with Joseph to bless the other sick members.

We discussed with our children that neither Mom nor Dad had ever seen Jesus Christ. But that we know that He is real. We asked if they have ever seen Heavenly Father. And, of course, they replied that they had not. "But do you know that He hears and answers your prayers?"

Alex piped up with, "Sometimes when I have a bad dream I say a prayer and He makes me feel better!" We taught that because Elijah Fordham had faith in Jesus Christ, that he was able to be healed by the priesthood power. It was a good lesson about faith.

I got to thinking. Aaron's sister, Bobbie Jo was diagnosed with an agressive form of Lymphoma over New Year's. She has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy - and it's not making progress. It's an amazingly difficult situation, and in those difficult situations - our faith waivers. However, if we hold to that faith in Our Savior, in the Plan of Salvation, in the power of the priesthood; we will be at peace. It's a misnomer that we are taught "Choose the Right way, and be happy!", because sometimes choosing the right way is hard. But in choosing the right we will find peace. And if we have the courage to seek and have faith in the Will of God, we will be at peace. Bobbie Jo has been given a blessing that she will live. Getting through this difficult situation will not be easy, and we keep her in our prayers. We have faith that that promise will be upheld. :)

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”
Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 31:20

*Bobbie Jo's Miracle