"...men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing" (Moroni 7:25)

Over the years I have watched our kids exercise as they have gone to swim practice. Let me tell you, it is not a wimpy workout. They really get their exercise. I keep thinking about exercise and what good it does for them and how it gets them ready for their swim meets and in shape for long range goals. One of our son's wears this shirt that says, "No pain, no gain." In the Olympics, there is only one gold medal given out. But in God's kingdom, we can all receive a "gold medal". Not because He is dumbing down the system to make it possible and easy for everyone and anything goes. No way! But, because the competition isn't each other, it is ourselves. In a swim meet, you are racing against yourself to beat your best time. In life, we are to exercise as well so that we can win our race; so that we can get our gold medal- eternal life.

Exercise...what am I suppose to exercise and how? I go through spurts myself. I do like to exercise, it can be a lot of work. But the rewards are great, especially if I keep at it. The scriptures talk about exercise. "Exercise faith" (see D&C 44:2, Alma 5:15, Moroni 7:25). I know what exercise is, it's a lot of work and it can  be a major benefit to my body and my mind. It can change my shape physically on the outside as well as on the inside. What about faith? What is faith?

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Substance could be said, "the assurance of things hoped for". Faith is the evidence of things we can't see with our physical eyes but is truly seen as we exercise our spiritual eyes. The evidence being those things in our lives that wouldn't be there without Divine help. "Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was (and is) until the coming of Christ" (Moroni 7: 25). We lay hold upon every good thing through our faith in Jesus Christ. The more we exercise it, the stronger it will become and the more evidence we will receive. Just as we exercise physically and become stronger, we can become stronger spiritually as well. It takes work, not just passiveness on our part in the hopes that we will get into shape and a miracle will happen and we will be able to win our race. Sometimes, there is the exception, but that is so rare, both physically and spiritually. Think about that. Who is able to go out and swim 450 yards and win the race without having done any training whatsoever? There is no gain without some pain. The same goes for us spiritually. You have to put in the time, whether it is in prayer, scripture study, pondering, repentance (go here to read about repentance), attending church, serving others. There are many ways we can feel the power of Jesus Christ in our lives and strengthen our faith in Him. But it takes "exercise" on our part. Even if we only begin to exercise our faith in a very small way (see Alma 32:36), I say, begin, because we need to start somewhere.

" Therefore may God grant unto you, my [friends], that you may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you" (Alma 4:17). Exercise your faith to turn yourself to the Head Coach, even Jesus Christ. That takes a "broken heart" (Psalms 34:18), at times it takes stamina or endurance (D&C 20:29), and definitely a willingness to listen to what the Coach is saying. Jesus Christ does know all things (see Alma 26:35). He has "descended below all things" (D&C 88:66) so that He can and will  help us in our individual races and trials. He loves us more than we can comprehend (see Alma 26:35) He will help us win our race, and help us endure those hard workouts that cause us pain, but will, in the end, produce the results we ultimately want, eternal life.

There are times when I have to exercise and before I begin I think, what is the point. How could I forget the blessings of exercise? "Yea, how is it that [we] have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to His will, for the children of men, if is so be that [we] exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to Him" (1 Nephi 7:12). Be faithful in following the example of Jesus Christ. He is "the way" and "the life" (John 14:6). He does know exactly what workout we need to become capable and strong spiritually. It is worth the time and effort we put in to "follow Him" (Mark 6:1) and become spiritually in shape. Exercise is worth it. Exercise faith in Christ. You'll be surprised at how quickly He shapes your life into something so beautiful and wonderful. It becomes something that you don't ever want to live without and becomes a natural part of your daily life, it will become a part of you. This I testify, exercising faith in Jesus Christ, is the greatest exercise that will strengthen you physically and spiritually in every way.

By the way, have I told you, you are so loved lately?