Faith to Leap

Some may ask about the origin of the title of my blog—“Faith to Leap.”  Why not the more familiar “Leap of faith” which describes taking a chance or "stepping out into the dark."

While there is a definite need to take those “leaps of faith”, modern scripture reveals another aspect of faith:  “And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed … shall be healed.  He who hath faith to see shall see.  He who hath faith to hear shall hear.  The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:48-51).

About ten years ago, I was diagnosed with “dropped foot” which is the inability to raise the ankle in a flex which causes the toes to drag on the ground and increases the likelihood of falling.  Various treatments and physical therapies identified the origin as nerve damage in my back.  Thankfully, I was fitted with a brace that allows full functionality—including the ability to run and walk without tripping.  The brace fits neatly inside a shoe, and I have continued many of my former activities despite the dropped foot. 

The Bible teaches of the many miracles performed by our Savior, Jesus Christ.  On one such occasion, a man with palsy (a possible cause of dropped foot) was carried by his friends to where Jesus was.  Because of the press of many, this lame man was let down to Jesus through the roof.  Seeing the faith of this man and his friends, Jesus said:  “Son, thy sins be forgiven.”  Those who saw this miracle questioned the Savior’s divine right to forgive sins.  Perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, the Savior said unto them: “Why reason ye these things in your hearts?  Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?”  The Savior, Jesus Christ demonstrated that He has the power to forgive sins and to heal the sick.  He said unto the man with palsy” “Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house (Mark 2:2-12).

I testify that the Savior, Jesus Christ, can forgive sins.  He changes hearts.  The Savior, Jesus Christ, has the power to heal us in every way when we have faith in Him.

In His wisdom and timing my dropped foot is not yet healed in the ways I might have expected.  Nevertheless, in and through the Savior, Jesus Christ, I feel His love and tender mercies in small and simple ways every day as I exercise Faith to Leap!