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Find, Face, and Feed Your Faith

No matter where you stand, keep moving forward

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In Elder José A. Teixeira’s devotional address to BYU-Pathway Worldwide students on February 12, 2019, he shared:

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Elder José A. Teixeira

“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.”

Here are a few ideas on how you can follow Elder Teixeira’s invitation to continue to develop faith in Jesus Christ during the process of learning.

Find your faith

Take a moment to reflect on your personal spiritual and educational journey. How did you find your faith in Jesus Christ, and how has it been strengthened? Elder Teixeira is speaking to you and inviting you to build upon the faith you already have.

For some of you, your faith in Jesus Christ inspires you to finish something you didn’t have the opportunity to accomplish before. For others, it’s hope for better opportunities for you and your family and “hope for a better world.” 1

You can have hope for your education and future, even if your goals and dreams feel distant right now. The Lord has prepared the way for you, and He’s inspired His servants and priesthood leaders to provide faith-strengthening opportunities for you as you learn.

Religion courses (or institute), PathwayConnect gatherings, and other resources, such as mentoring and monthly devotionals, are designed for your success. They’re designed to help you come closer to the Savior and reach your divine potential because you matter to Him.

Exercise your faith in Christ by sharing your experiences with others.

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Exercise your faith in Christ by sharing your experiences with others.

Face your faith

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

Maybe you feel that your faith is a tree, maybe a seed, or maybe it’s still a humble patch of soil. As long as your faith, desire, or hope is focused on the Savior, it’s of little importance what stage it is in. No matter where you stand, keep moving forward. Let your faith take root in you through your efforts and learning.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “I learned in my life that we don’t need to be ‘more’ of anything to start to become the person God intended us to become.… God will take you as you are at this very moment and begin to work with you. All you need is a willing heart, a desire to believe, and trust in the Lord.” 2
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Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “It Works Wonderfully!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 20

Wherever you are today is an absolutely perfect place to start!

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Study examples of faith in Christ in the scriptures.

Feed your faith

Study examples of faith in Christ in the scriptures.

After finding faith, you can keep it rooted in Christ by nourishing its growth continually. Elder Teixeira said, “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 this joy was to see that they remained strong in their faith.” 3
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Consider writing down a few things you think can help you increase your faith in Jesus Christ and put them somewhere you’ll see them often. This can help remind you to continue to feed your faith so you, like Alma and the sons of Mosiah, can experience this joy.

Remaining faithful doesn’t mean never falling short. We can rely on frequent repentance and continue to learn about Christ — and remember, this process applies to your education as well.

As you find, face, and feed your faith in Christ, always moving toward Him, you will have joy and success in your learning.

What have you done to increase your faith while you pursue your education? We want to hear your story in the comments below!