Wait patiently with faith for blessings yet received
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Faith can be a source of strength even when blessings are beyond immediate vision, said Sister Anne C. Pingree, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, who spoke during the Saturday morning session.
"It matters not where we live or what our individual circumstances may be, each day our righteous living can demonstrate a faith in Jesus Christ that sees beyond mortal heartaches, disappointments, and unfulfilled promises," she declared.
Referring to a phrase in Hebrews 11:13, Sister Pingree said, "The spiritual ability to be persuaded of promises that are seen 'afar off,' but that may not be attained in this life, is a sure measure of those who truly believe."
One of the examples she used was of two Relief Society sisters in southeastern Nigeria who demonstrated great faith in obtaining a temple recommend.
She said she traveled with her husband, the mission president, to a remote part of Nigeria so he could interview members there for temple recommends. Because the time of their arrival was uncertain, the members arrived early in the morning prepared to stay all day.
She continued: "When we arrived, I noticed among those waiting in the searing heat were two Relief Society sisters dressed in bold-patterned wrappers, white blouses, and the traditional African head-ties.
"Many hours later, after all the interviews were completed, as my husband and I drove back along the sandy, jungle trail, we were stunned when we saw these two sisters still walking. We realized they had trekked from their village — a distance of 18 miles round trip — just to obtain a temple recommend they knew they would never have the privilege of using. . . .
"In her hand, carefully wrapped in a clean handkerchief, each sister carried her precious temple recommend. I carry their examples of faith carefully wrapped in my heart."
While those sisters now see the blessing of a temple under construction in their country, Sister Pingree said, "Sometimes those blessings in our lives that we have yet to receive lie beyond the scope of mortal eyes. I testify that it is always faith that allows us to see afar off with spiritual vision all that God intends for His children."
