Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole

"And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole." I am fascinated by this affirmation from the Savior because it is so dynamic. The Savior is clearly referring to her physical health, but by examining the other meanings behind the Savior's statement to this faithful woman we can gain a deeper understanding of faith. Such an understanding will allow us to become not only physically, but also mentally, spiritually, and emotionally whole.

First, regarding physical wholeness. Maintaining a faith in Christ will provide the power necessary to becoming physically whole. We are able to maintain this faith because healing the sick was an integral part of Christ's life. In Matthew, chapter 14, verse 36 an extremely similar phenomenon as what happened to the woman with an issue of blood happened to many in the land of Gennasaret, they being made "perfectly whole." In John, chapter 5 Christ heals the man by the pool of Bethesda and it was said: "And immediately the man was made whole." (John 5:9). Those who exercised their faith in Christ, even after many years and trials were blessed with physical wholeness. As Christ speaks to the woman that had an issue of blood he reassures and testifies that by acting in faith she became whole from her physical illness, and we can experience the same miraculous healing power.

Although I have not experienced any miraculous healing powers in my own life, I can testify that an enduring faith in Christ has filled the emotional, mental, and spiritual sicknesses, or gaps that I lack. Most recently as a full-time teacher, a struggling student, a faithful father (or at least trying my best), and a (also trying to be) diligent disciple I find myself frequently at a loss for time, talents, and testimony. I know what I should be doing, but the how, amidst all of my other responsibilities escapes me. During one particularly trying week I felt like I could relate with the woman with an issue of blood on all accounts except physically. I was emotionally spent, mentally strained, and spiritually drained after months of persevering. This was the moment when I realized I needed to, figuratively, touch the hem of the Savior's garment. I needed to, like the woman with an issue of blood, rely wholly and completely on the Savior's grace. To understand what I mean let's look at what Christ said to the woman with an issue of blood with a different perspective.

Jesus says to the woman: "thy faith hath made thee whole," he continues: "go in peace, and be whole of thy plague." (Mark 5:34). It is interesting that the Savior seems to be saying the same thing twice. He could either be repeating himself, or each statement could have a different purpose. The second phrase seems to refer directly to her sickness, "...be whole of thy plague..." while the first refers more to the faith of the woman and what having faith has done for her, not in a physical sense, but in a spiritual sense. Christ is telling this woman that it was her faith, not the healing that made her whole, or complete. Elder Ballard speaks of this same wholeness:

"If our faith is anchored securely in our testimonies of Christ, we will be able to cope with whatever adversity comes our way, and we will be able to do so in a positive, faith-promoting manner. if we keep the eye of faith focused on Christ, we gain a broader view and an eternal perspective, and with that we can understand adversity from within the context of Heavenly Father's eternal plan for all of His children. And we can find comfort in this life in the safety, peace, joy and security that He promises" ("When Shall These Things Be?" Ensign, Dec. 1996, 61).

If I were to extrapolate on what the Savior said it would sound something like this: "My daughter, your faith is extraordinary, it has carried you through your trials, and because of that faith you are whole even though you are physically debilitated. Now, go in peace, and also be whole of thy plague."

I testify that this woman demonstrated great faith in the Savior and in His healing power. I know that because of that faith she was spiritually and emotionally whole, and was made physically whole by the healing power of the Messiah. We all experience doubt, fear, frustration, loneliness, sickness, and sin. We need not let those struggles define us. We have the unconditional and eternal support of a loving Elder Brother that will sustain our faith so that we can be defined by our faith instead of our fears, and that faith will make us whole.

Connecting With God

Is God hard to reach on a personal level? Some groups of people throughout human history have evidenced that their answer to this question is yes. Some believe that a human sacrifice, or long periods of self-inflicted suffering, or building an immensely tall tower is necessary to appeal to God's attention. Without trying to criticize the beliefs and practices of others, for all honest seekers of God will find Him, I submit that approaching god with the end to connect with Him can be achieved as correct principles are followed honestly.
Honesty is the key. This is the first principle to seek a connection with god. The words of the Prophet Moroni testify of that: "For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto god, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing." (Moroni 7:6 italics added). God is "bound when [we] do what [He] say[s], but when [we] do not what [He] say[s], [we] have no promise." (D&C 82:10). Therefore, when the Son of God promises "ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7) during the Sermon on the Mount the condition for this promise is that we do what He says by coming to Him with a sincere and honest heart. The consecutive principles can only be validated as the first principle is followed.
the second principle is preparation, but before discussing this principle in detail I would like to provide an analogy as a basis for this and the rest of the principles. Let us think of a time when information didn't travel quite as fast as it does today. Back to when I couldn't have shared this information with you except if it was coming from my own mouth. As early as the prophet Enoch there is record that those who sought for revelations, communications, and connections with God went to a mountain to receive those blessings (Moses 7:2-3). Likening the climbing of a mountain to our journey to connect with God we must start with preparation. Preparation for mountain climbing is essential for success, and is a pattern we can see illustrated in the lives of prophets throughout the scriptures who achieved a connection with God. Referring to Enoch, he needed to be anointed and washed (Moses 6:35) before his journey up the mountain. Nephi "desired to know" (1 Nephi 11:1) what his father saw and needed to ponder on those things before his journey to the mountain. Our preparation could be extremely similar to Nephi's and Enoch's.
Principle three is taking advantage of the resources God has already given us. An interesting irony lies in the object of the group of people that tried to build a tower to reach God. They were exerting effort into building something that already existed in the world that served the same purpose. the summit of mountains creates a perfect "altar" at which one can commune with God. Had these people not been consumed by their pride they might have realized one only needs to use the God-given gifts on earth to reach him.
My testimony is that God is present in our lives. I testify of the veracity of His words: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) with emphasis on the last part that lets us know just how intimate a relationship the Savior wants to have with us. Not as the neighbor who brings cookies occasionally, but as the friend who we have invited to dine with us, a friend who is ever present, ever supportive, and ever teaching to edify. He is there, we just need to seek Him honestly.

Wreck-It Ralph

Right now my daughter's favorite movie is Wreck-It Ralph. I've had the opportunity to watch it numerous times and each time I never could pin down a good application for the moral of the story until a few days ago. The lesson I felt comfortable with accepting was similar to what Elder Uchtdorf teaches in his talk "Lift Where You Stand" , and involves being grateful, humble, and innovative with where you are at in life.
I was confused because it seemed like the audience was meant to understand that it is OK to be a bad guy. In fact, it's good to be a bad guy and if you are a bad guy, then you shouldn't change because you will mess everything up. I hope this is not the message that was intended for the vast under-age audience.
Ralph wants his life to change, and thinks that by acquiring material goods he will solve his problems. In the process he begins to understand that he doesn't need material things to improve his life, moreover he needs to change his outlook on his current situation. Furthermore, the companionship and support of a friend, Ralph realized, was worth more than any medal could ever buy .

Stand Firm and Hold the Handrail

            I love China! It is a strikingly different experience and culture from the United States. One fun thing to do while in China is to look at and listen to the English translations of Chinese throughout the country. One particular announcement made me chuckle and fed me with inspiration.

While walking onto an escalator in the subway stations of Beijing there is a friendly feminine voice that advises you: “please stand firm and hold the hand rail.” I jokingly asked one of my travelling companions: “What do you think it means to stand firm.” She replied saying that at another time while in Beijing she asked one of her colleagues if she was standing firm and her colleague looked at her uncertainly not knowing if she was referring to her physical or spiritual wellbeing. This conversation I had with my travelling companion sparked a myriad of thoughts that raced through my head thinking about what it means to stand firm and hold the hand rail.

There is an actual handrail illustrated in Lehi’s dream of the Tree of Life that provides a great symbol and explanation of what it means to stand firm and hold the hand rail. The rod represents the word of God, and we read about the different approaches to the rod by the multitudes with their consequent results. I would like to focus on two different approaches. One approach was this:

“And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.” (1 Nephi 8:24, italics added).

The result is positive and beneficial until “after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed…because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.” (1 Nephi 8:25, 28). Another group approached the rod in this way:

“Behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.” (1 Nephi 8:30, italics added).

The result of this group produced eternal happiness and blessings. As we analyze the wording of these verses and apply them to our current topic we begin to see that there is a specific way in which we need to hold the handrail to maximize our spiritual blessings.

            In both verses it mentions that each multitude pressed forward and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron. This idea of moving forward is similar to an escalator and each of our lives. We cannot manipulate the time we have been given. Time moves on at a constant rate, minute by minute, hour by hour. Since we cannot stop time we need to make sure that what we do with that time is valuable and beneficial. On an escalator we can decide to either hold the handrail which will secure our safety, or we can risk it. In life we can do things that will secure our spiritual safety, or we can use our time in other pursuits that may be useful, but do not arm us with the proper protection necessary for today’s temptations. Elder David A. Bednar said of the second multitude: Perhaps this…group of people consistently read and studied and searched the words of Christ. … This is the group you and I should strive to join.” (“A Reservoir of Living Water” Church Educational System fireside address, Feb. 4, 2007, 8–9).

            Now, symbolically, I have to answer my own question. What does it mean to stand firm? An episode from history provides a positive instance of what it means to stand firm. The final battle of the Napoleonic Wars, called the Battle of Waterloo was at a climax when the British general Arthur Wellesley, or the Duke of Wellington was approached by an officer with a message that unless his troops were withdrawn they must yield before the larger French army.

The duke ordered, “Stand firm!”

“But we shall all perish,” replied the officer.

“Stand firm!” again was the answer of the duke.

(See Howard W. Hunter, That We Might Have Joy [1994], 148).

           

When we are confronted with temptations, and opposition we must not waver for James said: “For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” (James 1:6). In this particular case with the British army they were awarded victory. We may not always appear to have won the battle when standing firm if temptations and oppositions are originating from the ones we love, but when we stand firm on the “rock of our Redeemer” (Helaman 5:12) we can be assured the promise given in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10). Virginia U. Jensen testified:

“Your strong and unwavering faith in and knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and His plan for you and your family will be a great protection against conflicting viewpoints and evil influences. Your obedience and faithfulness to eternal covenants and commandments can bring peace and, yes, even happiness amid the chaos of this world. Armed with faith, you can stand firm and you can create a home worthy of Heavenly Father’s children.” (“Stand Firm”, October 2001 General Conference)

There are too many traps in this world for us to be careless in our constantly chaotic and consistently crazy lives. A loving and astute Heavenly Father prepared many “handrails” for us to hold onto to assure a safe journey back to him. It is up to us to decide to “continually hold fast” onto those handrails. With our grasp on the handrail and our feet firmly planted through this life we can be assured Nephi’s promise: “Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” (2 Nephi 31:20).

 

Other Thoughts and Quotes

1 Nephi 2:10 – And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightiest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!

Together we must stand firm in the faith against greater numbers of other-minded people. (President Howard W. Hunter, “Stand Firm in the Faith,” October 1994 General Conference.)

“Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men” (2 Ne. 31:20)

It is interesting that almost all of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon were not “active” members of the Church at the time of their death. How could an event so spiritually magnificent “wear off”? Why is it that seeing with physical eyes the work that everyone else had (and now has) to see with spiritual eyes was not enough to carry these men through the tests that challenged their faith? If it isn’t the marvelous and miraculous that keeps us headed towards eternal happiness, then what is it?