Faith is fearless, sometimes.

This week I studied faith in the scriptures. Specifically faith in the birth of Jesus Christ.

oh yesh, I forgot to mention that i'm going to be trying to study some aspect of Christ's life each week and then report on my findings here.

Annywayysss. So I looked at a few key places where the birth of Christ was foretold and I learned more than I bargained for.

In 3rd Nephi, Nephi is explaining that Samuel the Lamanite's prophecy had not yet come to pass. Samuel had prophesied, in Helaman14, that when Jesus was born there would be a day, a night, and a day with no darkness. The light would shine all through the night and the people would know that their Savior had been born. But it hadn't happened yet and the non- believers were getting restless. They set a date and vowed that if the prolonged day was not accomplished by then that the believers would be destroyed.

With that huge background.....
Nephi explains that the people believed in the coming of Christ so much that they had "faith unto destruction". They were willing to wait until they were wiped off the earth to know that their was hope. They were willing to sacrifice their lives and posterity to simply believe in a chance day. The day wouldn't even be anything grand, no fireworks, or holy messengers. No singing angels or shepherds in a field. All they would see is a longer day than usual and a new star in the heavens.

I was shocked. How could they have so much faith? There are people in the world that STILL cannot believe that Christ even ever lived though there is plenty of evidence. I know that Christ lived, and died for us, but I know because I've been taught, I've read about his life, I've even traveled where his apostles have traveled to feel that spirit.

But would I have had "faith unto destruction" back then? Would I have had that unfailing faith for just a longer day? That is what faith is. It is absolutely fearless. Knowing that Heavenly Father will keep his promises to us if we are diligent and obedient to his word and gospel.

I want to have that much faith, to be so full of the knowledge of Jesus Christ that I'm not even afraid of destruction. I'm thankful that I live in a time when I can read about the beautiful signs and miracles of His coming, both past and future. And like in 3rd Nephi 2:1, I will not forget those signs and I will watch for them.

I will have faith unto destruction.