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BYU-Pathway Worldwide Devotional

“Individual Conversion through Faith in Jesus Christ”

February 12, 2019
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The mural behind me depicts the sons of Mosiah going forth to bring many to the knowledge of their Redeemer. 1 They exercised their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by giving themselves to much prayer and fasting. Their preparation allowed them to become strong men in the faith and, as a result, they taught others with power and authority. 2 Alma, who was converted to the Lord together with the sons of Mosiah, said he rejoiced exceedingly to see them again after many years, and what added more to his joy was to see that they remained strong in their faith 3

Faith takes root through a desire to obtain faith and then, through effort and work on our part, that faith grows and becomes stronger.

Alma explained this principle to the faithless people of Ammonihah when he said that many would know and understand the word of God, not just because the word was given to them, but because of the heed and diligence which they would give those truths. 4

As we receive the truth, we must give heed and diligence to it, by acting on it, serving and ministering to others, and building a testimony of truth.

An example of this is Zeezrom, the wicked lawyer who tried to ensnare Amulek by offering him a fortune in silver if he would deny the existence of God.

As Zeezrom continued to listen to the messages given by Amulek and Alma, he realized these two men had the power of God. A small seed was planted. Zeezrom allowed that seed to take root and “began to inquire of them diligently, that he might know more concerning the kingdom of God.” 5 By combining online learning with religious education, BYU-Pathway Worldwide inspires hope, opening new opportunities in higher education to learn by study and by faith. 6

My invitation, no matter what your circumstances are, whether you are in small groups pursuing the completion of the one-year PathwayConnect program to start or return to college, or if you are already working toward a certificate or degree, is that you build your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ during the process of learning.

Remember that faith takes root through a desire to obtain faith and then, through effort and work on our part, that faith grows and becomes stronger.

President Russell M. Nelson, speaking of the gifts Jesus Christ offers us, asked us what the key is to becoming more like Him, and then said:

“The key is to make and keep sacred covenants. We choose to live and progress on the Lord’s covenant path and stay on it. It is not a complicated way. It is the way to true joy in this life and eternal life beyond.” 7
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Of this I also bear my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.