Zacharias: Believe That God's Promises Are Real

Sometimes we don't know how the promises the Lord gives us could ever be fulfilled—like the promise that if we desire it and remain faithful, we'll be blessed with an eternal marriage. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, taught about this paradox, "There may be times when we must make a courageous decision to hope even when everything around us contradicts [our] hope."1

Zacharias and his wife, Elisabeth, prayed faithfully and waited for a child all their lives. Finally, Zacharias was promised by an angel that his elderly wife would conceive and bear a child who would prepare the way for the Savior. So great was the blessing that it was incomprehensible to Zacharias. Though an angel had declared it, Zacharias asked, "Whereby shall I know this?" (Luke 1:18).

As with Zacharias, we may become so used to feeling disappointed in our desires—or the promised blessings seem so unbelievable—we forget that "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). Zacharias's experience has reminded me that Heavenly Father's greatest promises are real and that He always keeps them.

The stories of Joseph, Abraham, and Zacharias are not the only ones that have bolstered my faith and given me hope. There are scores of scriptural accounts of people whose faith has reminded me to have faith regarding what the Lord has promised me. I can hardly read a chapter of scripture nowadays without being reminded that the Lord always keeps His promises. This understanding gives me great hope for the future.

Maintaining faith and hope can bring about great blessings, as they did for Joseph. And even when our faith isn't rewarded how we would like, maintaining that faith can still help us live happier lives.

Knowing that God would keep His promises, Abraham was obedient. His love for his son was great, but his response showed that he loved the Lord above all else.

Note

1.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Infinite Power of Hope," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 23.