What should we do if we have questions about what we once knew to be true? This powerful Ensignarticle by Jakob R. Jones shares eight insights into how we can work through our doubts while reminding us that God doesn't love us any less when we have questions.

Some years ago, I was taught by Elder David A. Bednar in a stake conference. It was one of the spiritual highlights of my life. Among other counsel, he invited us to study the war chapters in the book of Alma. But his invitation was not to study these events as past history, but as a prelude to coming events. From such chapters, many are familiar with the account of Helaman and his stripling warriors. We take courage from their remarkable success and miraculous protection during battles. But as we look closer at their story, their situation was not always so blessed. After the momentous, initial battle where all of their lives were spared, they faced a new task to capture the Lamanite city of Manti. Helaman knew his armies were insufficient to take the city by force. He requested help from other Nephite armies as fortification. Yet the troops did not come quickly. Months passed as Helaman waited for support, while his soldiers were weakened by periodic skirmishes with the Lamanites. On top of all that, their supplies were running short, so not only were they being constantly threatened by their enemies, they were also slowly starving to death.

You know when you get a letter in the mail that you’ve been looking forward to? There’s something exciting about discovering what’s inside, knowing you are reading words that are meant just for you. Well today, we’re going to begin our 17-week study of the letters, or epistles, from the Apostles—and we’re going to focus first on Paul. We’ll start by discussing Romans 1–6 and find that though these letters may not have been written directly to us, we can still look forward to learning many things from them today.

Stories in this episode: Jim, a devout Baptist, sends his five of his seven children on Latter-day Saint missions despite his misgivings about what they will teach and finds himself “tapped on the shoulder” by God; Though she grew up a member of the Church, Brooke doesn’t really search out her own testimony until devastating loss puts her faith, or lack thereof, at the forefront of her life; Missionaries go the literal extra mile to find Martin when he moves back to Norway after a visit to temple square; Dumdi finds the strength to remain faithful after baptism despite being alone in her efforts; When Monique’s family moves to a predominantly Latter-day Saint community, she vows to steer clear of “The Mormons” but finds herself drawn to the doctrine despite negative experiences.

I recently experienced a couple of events that taught me about why some trials persist even though we are working hard to defeat them. Before I tell you about that, I need to provide some background. First, you should know we currently have two children at BYU-Idaho in Rexburg. Second, you should know that we live in Vancouver, Washington, which is about 700 miles from there. Third, I should tell you that I enjoy indoor cycling, which is a specific type of stationary bike—some know it as spinning. Please bear with me while I explain how these things are related.

Identity, creating understanding, covenants, a worldwide Church, faith crises, change in the Church—these are topics Melissa Inouye, a scholar, addresses in an effort to explain how she has “found the fruits of this life (the life of a Latter-day Saint) to be worthwhile—costly, to be sure, but also rich and nourishing, a source of deep joy.”