Posted by Dinah on December 26, 2002, at 21:07:37
In reply to what is stronger, faith or belief?, posted by rayww on December 26, 2002, at 15:20:53
> But to believe in God, whom we can't see, takes faith. First you pray, then you receive an answer so your faith grows and you pray again. Things you cannot see become real and you grow step by step.
Well, if you received an answer, wouldn't that be "seeing" God, and thus reduce the need for faith? Or do you think you need faith in order to receive an answer, in which case praying wouldn't serve to increase faith...
What if you don't receive an answer, yet have faith anyway? Or believe anyway? I haven't the gift of prayer. All my life, I wanted to be like Joseph Smith. I wanted to ask in all earnestness what was true, and receive an answer. It didn't have to come with angels or visions, just with a still small voice. And I never did. I do have faith that there is a God, and I love Him and trust in His goodness.. But for the rest, the particulars, I have studied and studied, I have beliefs, I have theories, but I'm open to the possibility that they are completely wrong. I figure I won't know for sure until and unless I can check it out.
>
> Faith is by the grace of God, a gift bestowed upon us for trying.Yes, I do believe faith, like all other gifts, is by the grace of God. I suppose He has other plans for me though. :)
poster:Dinah
thread:1462
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20021001/msgs/1467.html