I was taking a family around the Joseph Smith Farm not to long ago, and as we were in the Log home I was pondering about Joseph Smith and everything that led up to him, new found freedom of religion, sooo many different churches, and how confused the world truly must have been at that time. I pondered for a minute how that would have been to be living in those times that the truth could not be found, how empty would life feel to not know the greater purposes of living with God after this mortal life on earth, or fearing whether or not my soul could truly be saved. As I was thinking about this I thought of the scriptures, particularly a few verses from the bible, The scripture that changed Joseph Smiths world, the one that truly led to him seeking the desires of his soul, the scripture that led to him asking god
" 5 aIf any of you lack bwisdom, let him ask of God, that cgiveth to all men liberally, and dupbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him aask in bfaith, nothing cwavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
He was confused as to which church he should join, So as this scripture says.. He asked god. I wonder what Josephs thoughts were as he entered the grove that day. I am sure he wasn't anticipating what was about to happen. As he asked which church to join he had an amazing vision, in his own words he said "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me... when the light rested upon me i saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. one of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other. 'this is my beloved son, hear him!"He was told that none of the churches were the true gospel of Jesus Christ and that he should join none of them, but the true gospel was to be restored.
I know that as a 14 year old boy Joseph Smith did indeed see the father and the son and that he was called as a prophet of god to restore his true gospel here on the earth today.
As I pondered these thoughts on the drive home, I became overwhelmed with a new sense of testimony/conversion to the truths of this vision. At the time as a 14 year old boy, I wonder, did he feel like he was adequate to be a prophet? Did he feel overwhelmed by what the Lord had asked him to do?
I know that often times in my mission i have the moments of wondering "Am I in the right place, should I be the one teaching Of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christs gospel to this part of the world, do I know enough?"
The answer to those questions I find myself asking if I am enough, is YES. The lord calls his people to him in their weaknesses, he doesn't ask perfect people to do that which he commands, he asks us. simple minded human beings who make mistakes. The only perfect being to ever set foot on this earth was the Son of god 2,000 years ago. God gives us weakness so that we can truly be humble and really learn to rely on him. If we were perfect and didn't make mistakes daily, we would have no need to be here.
Ether 12:27 puts it perfectly " 27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
The things that God asks each and everyone of us to do are never beyond reach, God knows the abilities of each of his children, he knows of our desires, our capacities to accomplish which tasks, and where we need to be strengthened, he will never give us a commandment save it be he provides a way. He will never tell us to do something that is beyond our reach, that will lead us to unhappiness, or hurt our future, we are his children, he wants what is ultimately best for us. Nephi always amazes me. he truly had the go an do perspective, he didn't ever doubt or question what was asked of him, his faith diligence and obedience to the lord is incredible, he knows our God doesn't give commandments, or ask us to do things and tell us why, he requires for us to act in faith, and in love for him. Nephi is a true hero of mine for his go and do attitude stated especially stated in 1 Nephi chapter 3:7 (from the book of mormon)" 7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I awill go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no bcommandments unto the children of men, save he shall cprepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."
I know that God is our loving heavenly father and that Jesus Christs gospel has been restored through the prophet Joseph smith and that Thomas s monson is the prophet today. I know that Jesus Christ is my lord, my savior, and the very reason of my existence. With out him we are nothing but through him, we are everything, through him we can return to live in Gods presence, we can be with our families forever, because of this gospel i have such a brighter hope for the future and for things to come, in knowing that, even though times are rough, they always pass, but because of Jesus Christ we don't have to just wait for them to pass, by his guiding influence those hard times can be enjoyed and he will guide us through with a newly added strength that can not be found on our own. I love this gospel with all that I am and I know with all of my heart that it is the true restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
and i say that in the name of Jesus Christ, amen
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