The tendency of the natural man or woman in each of us is to expect first the evidence of faith before we receive and act upon the assurance. The Lord's pattern, however, is quite different. Now, this afternoon we have already reviewed several examples of the Lord's pattern of belief and faith that leads to seeing and acting, i.e., the brother of Jared and the Israelites at the River Jordan. President Packer's description of walking to the edge of the light and then a few steps into the darkness is most vivid. Imagine a beam of light that surrounds us.
Faith is the assurance that precedes the act which ultimately yields the evidence.
As we walk to the edge of the light, I testify and promise that the light will move. When I was your age and wondering some of the exact same things that you are now wondering, I never would have imagined that someday Sister Bednar and I would be at Ricks College serving as we are now serving. I know the light moves as we walk in faith to the edge of the light. Faith is not a trait to be developed nor a reward to be earned. Rather, it is a gift we receive from God.