Lessons in mathematics and faith

Fifteen years ago, I was teaching Algebra at a middle school surrounded by farming fields in Idaho. I vividly remember the day I introduced a brand new concept to my 8th-grade honors class--graphing a line. And quite frankly, as their teacher, I was struggling. I could hear my class slipping away: the pencils hitting the desks, the deep exhales of confusion, and the whisperings between students. And I am sure if I had listened really closely, I could have heard the literal sound of kids throwing up their hands and quitting.

I wished I had a “rewind button” at that moment and could have started over. But I didn’t. So, I told them to put down their pencils. I pulled up a chair and sat in front of them. I told them that I knew for the majority of these students that learning math had come easy. I told them how I had struggled with math in middle school and wished it had come easy to me. I then explained that understanding things right away isn’t a true sign of intelligence. Intelligence comes when you persist and keep trying when you don’t understand.

Our mortal life is like a classroom. We are the students learning eternal truth by faith. And just like a normal classroom, some students are there but are unwilling to work and learn. Some even distract others from learning. Others want to learn but are too scared or prideful to admit when they need help understanding. Some struggle to learn, even when they apply themselves. Progress in life requires humility and work. Our spiritual intelligence is not defined by our challenges, but with how we act in faith when they arise.

Faith can grow through struggles. I have had my own trials of faith despite believing in Christ. My parents taught from the scriptures in my home since I was a child, and I attended church every Sunday. Even with this solid foundation, I have been confused at times. My faith was challenged when I began to see the hypocrisy in those preaching religion. Or when I asked the Lord and had to wait for the answers I desperately wanted. Or when I see so much contention in the world. I am a literal person who loves to prove things are right, so I get impatient when “His ways are not our ways” (Isaiah 55:8).

I found myself at a crossroads during one struggle. I had to choose between holding onto what I know is true and working to understand more or abandoning my faith. Letting go of faith can lead to a fast downward spiral. My unease grew as I entertained my doubts: “What if I am wrong? What if I really don’t have a loving Heavenly Father listening to my prayers? What if the Savior didn’t walk on the Earth?”

Imagine my 8th grade classroom spiraling that quickly. And all because of a fallible, new teacher. What if they decided that it wasn’t even possible to graph a line? Or what if it caused them to question their previous knowledge, like simple addition? Would we let go of our faith as easily when it is challenged? Do we question the things we have learned “line upon line,” when we stumble to understand a new concept or lack patience?

The amazing thing about faith is that when tested, it can grow exponentially or slip away, depending on our actions or inaction. As a teacher, I loved when a student would take action and ask a question. I knew they were working to expand their knowledge and understanding. Our Father in Heaven also loves when we practice faith and ask questions. Matthew 7:7 teaches, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:”

Unlike that newbie 22-year-old teacher who struggled to teach how to graph a line, Jesus Christ is the Master Teacher. He is the Teacher that wants us to succeed more than anyone. He is more patient and understanding than we can comprehend. He is ready and waiting to strengthen our faith. I know this is true. I have experienced it personally. My spiritual growth exploded as I turned to Him through my struggle in faith. I feel as though my faith leveled me up to the next class. I have also learned to value my faith and testimony. It is such an essential, beautiful and eternal concept.

I have also learned to value patience with our mortal minds as we learn His ways. We learn “line upon line, precept upon precept” (Isaiah 28:10), which takes time. He knows us perfectly and will lead and guide us if we let Him. We also need to trust our spiritual experiences. When confusion sets in, choose faith over fear and take action! Be the kind of learner that wants to grow and attain truth, rather than throwing up our arms when we don’t understand. Turn to the Master Teacher who loves you. Have patience with yourself and be supportive of others. We are all learning the best ways to be master students and grow our faith.

Jamie Cook loves her family, cooking and eating good food, laughing, relaxing, exploring Alaska and quietly cheering for her kids at their sporting events. She is a believer in Christ and His Atonement and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.