Alma's beautiful discourse on faith in Alma 32 invokes the metaphor of a seed that must be planted and cared for with diligence to grow a plant and reap the fruit of faith. There is much wisdom in this chapter which may be of help to those whose faith is faltering or weak.

[37] And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.

[38] But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.

[39] Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.

[40] And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.

[41] But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.

[42] And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.

[43] Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.

It is in living the Gospel and following the teachings of the Lord that we come to know for ourselves of their truthfulness and thereby obtain more sure testimonies. As Christ said, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself" (John 7:17). Likewise, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32).

I have found that those who fulfill home teaching assignments seriously are more likely to have testimony-building spiritual experiences and witness the power of prayer and of the Priesthood. Those who seek the Lord's help in fulfilling Church callings of many kinds tend to witness little miracles that help them understand Who is behind this work of building up the Kingdom of God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who make the sacrifice of paying tithing with faith tend to see the blessings of that divine principle and witness the hand of the Lord in their lives more than before. Faith precedes the miracle, but the most miraculous results are typically preceded by faith plus diligence.
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