Do we need to see the Savior to believe that He is real? Do we need answers to every question to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ? The story of Thomas in the New Testament can be one of personal reflection. For whatever reason, Thomas wasn’t with the other disciples when Jesus showed Himself to them after being resurrected. They told him about the resurrected Lord but he struggled to believe this miracle could be real. It wasn’t until eight days later that Thomas was finally able to see Jesus. And then Thomas believed and exclaimed, “My Lord, my God.”
What happens when we don’t see the promises in our patriarchal blessings fulfilled in this life, especially when it comes to marriage and family as taught in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”? Especially when Christ’s apostles proclaim: “We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.” What about those unable to marry or have children? Does this mean these commandments and promises are not real, good, or true?
The answer is a resounding no!
Thankfully, President Dallin H. Oaks answered this beautifully:
“Admittedly, for each one of us, it’s hard to look beyond the ‘now’ sometimes. But nonetheless, if you see mortality as now, it’s only during this season. 2) If I can keep myself worthy here, if I can be true to gospel commandments, if I can keep covenants that I have made, the blessings of exaltation and eternal life that Heavenly Father holds out to all of His children apply to me. Every blessing — including eternal marriage — is and will be mine in due course. … What we look forward to, and the great promise of the gospel, is that whatever our inclinations are here, whatever our shortcomings are here, whatever the hindrances to our enjoying a fullness of joy here, we have the Lord’s assurance for every one of us that those in due course will be removed.”
Each of us can embody the meaning of Alma’s teaching “concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” Faith is the most personal reflection of adoration for—and devotion to—our Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Anchored by this first and all-important principle of the gospel, we look to our Savior, knowing al blessings will be ours if we believe.