Monday, January 21, 2019

Elder EJones: Cambios y Fe


Yes, I had cambios!

I'm in a new area with a new companion. My area is Los Olivos en La Colorada and our area takes in a lot more of the city. My new companion is Elder Torres from Peru. So this is my third companion in the mission, and my third companion from a Latin American country. In reality, I'm super glad that I'm getting companions from here because its helping me to learn Spanish a whole lot faster.


Well, I finally got to feel what everyone says about the mission: That it's much harder to leave the people here than it is to leave your home. I had to leave Quior 2 yesterday, and it was kinda rough. All the investigators that we had and all the converts---so hard to leave when you build bonds with them and then have to say goodbye. But it's all good. I'm doing super well I'm and super excited to be here in Los Olivos. And our house is an apartment on the 8th floor so the view is the best thing.

So this week I read a little talk in the January Liahona and I found a quote that I loved. It was from a story of a man called to be the stake president and he didn't think or feel that he was qualified for his calling. He said, "I don't think I can do this. I'm not in their league." Area authority's response: "Well, I suppose you're right. You can't do it, but the Lord can. He has the power to do His work, and if you will be worthy and work hard, He will do it. You will see!"  AND HE DID!!

Remember that! No matter how much we feel like we can't do something, trust in the Lord, and He will guide us to do all things!!

* * *
There seem to be two distinct levels of faith.

The first level is the faith to try, the faith to thrust in our sickles. The second level is the faith to do. It is more than the faith to thrust in our sickles—it is the faith to reap.

That subtle distinction between the faith to thrust in our sickles and the faith to reap will make all the difference in our lives. To live again with our Heavenly Father and to live productive and joyful lives on earth, we need to develop the faith to reap.

First, unlike the faith to thrust in our sickles, the faith to reap is not faith in ourselves. It is not the same as self-confidence or positive mental attitude. It is not even faith in our families or friends—all of which are good. The faith to reap is faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. It is faith in His power, not ours.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the first step that we take to be able to enjoy all the blessings that our Heavenly Father has for us. He wants us to be able to access his power in our lives though faith in him. Faith is a word of action. I've learned as a missionary we can't do anything without faith--and our faith must be in Jesus Christ and His Atonement!! He live!! We grow our faith by acting on our faith!!

Love you lots,
Elder Jones

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