Activities Program leader teaches about faith at BYU-Idaho devotional address

Brian Schmidt, supervisor of the service area of the Brigham Young University-Idaho Activities Program, spoke about faith at a BYU-Idaho devotional address Tuesday, July 25.

Schmidt used experiences of early Church pioneers as examples of faithfulness.  "The way they responded to significant physical challenges that were placed before them were outward expressions of their faith in Jesus Christ," he said.

Schmidt discussed four principles of faith that pioneers exemplified.  Faith requires us to step into the dark, faith is a principle of action, faith is a gift from God, and finally, faith is in Jesus Christ. Schmidt used the example of the saints leaving Nauvoo and heading west as an illustration of how faith requires a step into the darkness.

"When Brigham Young made his pronouncement to settle the Salt Lake Valley, it was barren," Schmidt said.  "He had no evidence that crops would successfully grow there.  Yet he knew this was the place the Lord would have his people stay.  We now have the evidence and can witness to the correctness of his decision."

Schmidt reminded students of the relationship between faith and action. "In our world of instant gratification it is sometimes difficult to understand the perseverance required to act in faith," Schmidt said.  "We might think we can take one step in the dark and our prayers will be answered.  While it is occasionally the case, I have found more often that the first step usually opens the way for the next."

Schmidt shared a story about Mary Fielding Smith related by her son Joseph F. Smith.  Smith received a gift of faith from God to find peace and hope during times of trial. "Her faith wasn't about praying and getting exactly what she wanted," Schmidt said.  "It had more to do with a humble, sincere, and obedient heart-willing to go where ever the Lord would have her go-maybe even where she didn't want to go, because she trusted him."

Finally, Schmidt taught students that faith is in Jesus Christ.  "When we have that kind of trust in the Lord, we have true security in our lives, and all can be well," Schmidt said.  "Faith in Jesus Christ is what really matters.  Only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement can help us overcome the physical and spiritual challenges that we face."

The next devotional speaker will be Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone, emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, on Tuesday, August 1. Devotionals are held every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Hart Auditorium with additional seating in the Taylor Chapel. Devotionals are broadcast on KBYI-FM 100.5 at 2 p.m. and rebroadcast Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.