Miracles come by Faith

As I read D&C 63 this week, I was struck by the two principles taught in verse 9: "faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe." 

Faith cometh not by signs: there are several examples of this principle in the scriptures. My favorite is the story of Lehi's sons being visited by an angel.  After several failed attempts to retrieve the brass plates, an angel appears to the four brothers and affirms that the Lord will help them in their efforts. But even after seeing an angel, Laman and Lemuel still lack the faith to believe that that is possible (1 Nephi 3:29-31).

Signs follow those who believe: stories representing this principle abound in the New Testament. My favorite is about the woman with the issue of blood being healed simply by touching the hem of Christ's clothing. Because of her faith, she was blessed with the miracle of being healed (Luke 8:43-48).

Those who seek signs for proof of God's existence and involvement in their lives are "lazy learners and lax disciples." It takes work and effort to increase our faith, but we will see miracles as we increase our faith in the Lord. (Pres. Nelson, Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains)

Elder Rasband stated in his last General Conference talk: "Many of you have witnessed miracles, more than you realize. They may seem small in comparison to Jesus raising the dead. But the magnitude does not distinguish a miracle, only that it came from God." (emphasis added). As we continue to increase our faith in Jesus Christ, we will be blessed to witness miracles in our lives, both big and small. "For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them." (Ether 12:12)