I have a testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later day saints, the prophets, the commandments, the scriptures. I have felt the change in my life as I have opened up and let the light come in. It is the most wonderful, peaceful feeling. Sometimes it is difficult and the choices and sacrifices we have to make are so painful, but Christ is there. He is watching out for me and all of the world. He truly has a plan and he will let you know his will if only you are willing to ask.
He has sent many tender mercies into my life. Given me a family, a school close to extended family, a best friend, a brain that works, he has blessed me and kept me safe from many car accidents, injuries, bad mistakes, and many other things. When I ask a question, I receive an answer. I am filled with an unmistakable peace that I can not deny. That is a tender mercy in and within itself, something that reaffirms to me that the Lord is there and constantly thinking of me.
There is a quote that was given in relief society that says “In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike- and they will- you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to over to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham’s seed” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. “For times of trouble” October 1980. New Era). This quote has brought me great comfort. I like to imagine all my ancestors, the prophets and apostles, descendents, and all my loved ones fighting for me, cheering me on, pushing me to do better. This is a blessing that we know. That we know that not only was Moroni fighting for us as he wrote the Book of Mormon, but he still is fighting now.
I am so grateful for the atonement and the power of this marvelous gift that has been given to us. In a 2002 BYU-Idaho devotional, President Bednar said, “It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us. That is fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us--not only to direct us but also to empower us.” The gift of our savior is something that should not be taken for granted. The atonement can be used for many things; Sins, incompetence, imperfections, and sickness. The Lord will make up what we lack in any way, if we are willing to give our burdens to him. We are so blessed to have the opportunity for true repentance, and if the gift is not used the suffering is in vain. As I have been going through the repentance process, I have felt the peace and strength that the Lord can offer. Over time I did not realize that it was gone, but now that I feel it again, I do not understand how I ever lived with out it. The inspiration and light it brings to my life in overwhelming.
I am so grateful for the knowledge of this gospel. It is said "Satan frees us to bind us; the lord binds us to free us.” This means that Satan uses temptations and the ways of the world to convince us that we will be happier doing what everyone else is doing, but in reality what makes anyone the most happy is doing what the Lord has commanded, even if it’s not always easy. I’m so grateful for that knowledge and the peace it brings into my life.
I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon. I am grateful for the light it shines into my life. When I open this book and allow it to enter in, by the power of God it lights my entire life. I love that every time I open this great book or any other set of scripture that I find answers that I am seeking. Even when it isn’t talking about that and in reality in my situation the parables don’t make sense. But the answer I receive makes sense. It has brought much peace to me.
Moroni had to hide for twenty years because of his faith. I do not have to do that. I have the responsibility to be an example of the believers. I have the responsibility to stand up strong and proclaim, I KNOW that the Church is true. I BELIEVE IN CHRIST.
