Faith Always Faces Forward

In the midst of studying and teaching about Abraham I found myself dissatisfied and even a little depressed that I am not a more effective teacher.  I desire the ability to make a difference in their lives for good so much that my impotence to do so is very painful at times.  Isaiah and Jeremiah must have had such incredible personal struggles in their efforts with a people much more difficult than the youth I teach.  They are good here - just distracted and reckless sometimes.  I worry sometimes that they are not being prepared the way they need to be for the challenges that certainly lurk up ahead.
I found hope in a great devotional message and a subtle reminder.  The devotional was given by Jeffrey R. Holland at BYU in 2009.  It's title, "Remember Lot's Wife"  Among the many great lines was found the one I chose for the title of this post. 
Abram has been promised that he will be a father -- his name even means "exalted father."  This is obviously what he desires most.  The power, wealth, and land he has obtained leave him empty and still crying to his Father in Heaven for a son.  God promises and Abram believes him.  That's that...simple faith.  Yet Abraham must still wait nearly 15 years for its fulfillment - for the birth of his covenant son Isaac.  The name Isaac denotes both laughter and rejoicing in the Hebrew.  In my estimation, it must the laughter and rejoicing that comes as one stands speechless both amazed and overwhelmed at the great blessings that the Lord pours out upon them.  This is the emotion of Isaac - the lesson of the covenant son.  Sarah and Abraham share it nearly in disbelief.  They had hoped against hope, and now it was truly coming to pass - truly and solely through the power of the Only Begotten of the Father.  The reminder was simple - a scene from a dream that has brought me to teaching - a new understanding of the dream and it's message that have made me both grateful and have given me faith in the future.  Of a truth, it is as bright as my faith.  I see more clearly now the vision that is placed before me, and rejoice in He who wiped away the tears that obscured my vision.