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Just the other morning, while walking the dog, I witnessed something that we have all seen many times: A deer, seeing me, turned and effortlessly bounded over the neighbor’s tall fence. 

I was impressed with the deer’s natural, graceful movement. 

I realize that deer and humans are made differently, but I couldn’t help wondering how I would have approached jumping over that fence. No doubt I would have channeled my experience as a high school hurdler, and tried for a running start, carefully timing my jump to be able to clear the fence. 

The phrase “leap of faith” came to mind. Simple, pure faith in God can enable us, like the deer, to meet and gracefully overcome obstacles and challenges in our lives. Unfortunately, we tend to overcomplicate the issues, overthinking the situation and relying too much on our own strength rather than on God’s power.

The ancient disciples, unsuccessful in working miracles of their own, asked the Savior for help. 

His response: “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you” (Matthew 17:20). 

Because mustard seeds are small, can spread quickly, and grow to be very large, they are an apt analogy for the way faith can start small and blossom. 

Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke of the obstacles and challenges we face in life represented by the mountains in Christ’s comparison.

He said: “Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary, and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith.”

He issued a challenge: “Start today to increase your faith. Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life, even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.”

President Nelson gave five suggestions for increasing our faith. 

First, study: “Become an engaged learner.” Study the scriptures and the words of the prophets. Learn about Jesus Christ and His infinite atonement. 

Second, choose to believe in Jesus Christ. Rather than focusing on doubts, choose to accept the Savior and “allow the Lord to lead you on your journey of spiritual discovery.”

Third, act in faith. Faith is a principle of action, and like a muscle in the human body, will only grow in strength if exercised. 

Fourth, participate in sacred ordinances such as baptism and the holy sacrament, which will “unlock the power of God for your life.” 

Lastly, “ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help.” 

May we each consider ways of strengthening our personal faith in God, and then remain true to what we believe. As we do so, we will find the truth in the Savior’s promise that “nothing shall be impossible” to us.

Dr. Brent Roberts is the Bishop of the Sandy River Ward, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and also Assistant Provost for Academic Outreach and Dean of Greenwood Library at Longwood University. He can be reached at brentsroberts@hotmail.com.