Once upon a time, I read something on Facebook that made me sad and worried. Ok maybe not just once. Let's try that again.
Many times, I read things on Facebook that make me sad and worried. But usually, I move on, hoping that the person behind the post(s) would have a better day. Recently, I had an experience reading a conversation between several people, that really made me think. Usually, I still move on. Obviously this time is different though because it has motivated this blog post.
So recently the church released a statement about a controversial subject of the church's history. It was from the church, and was as honest as possible. However, the sharing of the post by a person unleashed some comments about how this piece of history proved the Joseph's calling as a prophet, the truthfulness of the church, and realness of Heavenly Father did not deserve faith. Although I didn't know the people, this made me sad for them. I don't think they will see this post, but I want to share my testimony to the contrary in case they ever will.
For me to be able to give a specific experience explaining how I came to the knowledge of Joseph Smith being called as a prophet of God would be impossible. I learned as Christ and many others did; I did "receive not of the fulness at first, but received grace for grace; And he received not a fulness and first, but continued from grace for grace until he received a fullness" (D&C 93:12-13). I cannot say that I have received a fullness. No, I am far from it. But I have received grace for grace, and will do so until I receive it.
I read the Book of Mormon and prayed to know it was true. Although I didn't receive it right away, that prayer was answered. I visited where Joseph walked and died and felt the spirit that important men died there. I studied the history of the church, realizing that it could only happen with the help of a divine being. I heard numerous testimonies from others and each time I felt the Holy Spirit confirming it to be true. I am continually trying to learn of the things Joseph, and other prophets, did. And each new thing that I learn, I feel a confirmation that these things could only be done by men called of God to carry out the restoration of this gospel.
Do I understand everything that Joseph did? No. Do I understand every aspect of the gospel? Not even close. But I can say, without a doubt in my mind, that Joseph did see God and Jesus Christ. I know that through divine inspiration he translated the Book of Mormon, restored God's authority to this Earth, and restored the church that Christ built while on this Earth.
Like Nephi in the Book of Mormon, "I know that [God] loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things" (1 Nephi 11:17).
In studying the Old Testament and the History of the Church, I have many of times scratched my head in confusion. There are many things that God has commanded that doesn't make sense to me. But I have learned that they don't have too. I have seen enough resolve of his commandments to know that even if it doesn't make sense to me, it does to him. When he commands something, he has a divine purpose to it. As was said in Isaiah 55:8-9:
"For as my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
God knows what he is doing. And he has placed men on this earth to be his mouthpieces so that his works will go forth. I believe with all of my heart that Joseph Smith was one of them. With Joseph's life and many others, Heavenly Father brought the fulness of the truth back to the earth. I am so grateful to be apart of it and the blessings that is has brought into my life.
But it is not my hope that you read that testimony and think, "Oh, that's nice for her," and move on. There is something more I wish to share.
This past General Conference, Elder Andersen gave an AMAZING and powerful testimony to the divine calling of Joseph Smith, and how we can come to that same knowledge.
How did Joseph come to have the first vision? He humbly knelt in a grove, away from all distractions, and asked a question. He wanted to know which church to join.
Elder Andersen said that we too, will receive answers to our questions, when we kneel in faith truly wanting to know the truth. They may not all be an answer as grand as Joseph's, but there will be an answer.
Elder Christofferson shared what happened for him:
At the age of 17 David O. McKay, 9th president of the church, decided to pray alone in a field, until he knew for himself the church to be true. He prayed as long as he could, but still received no answer. It wasn't until many years later and he had a few months left in his mission that he received an answer to the prayer. It came through the words of his mission president and a spiritual confirmation.
In each of these experiences the answers came in different ways. The point is, the answer always came.
If you truly want to know the truth, kneel in faith, asking if it is true. If the answer doesn't come, keep seeking until it does come. And when it comes, make that a foundation of faith. Then build on that foundation, strengthening it always. If your foundation has crumbled, that is okay. Find and fill the cracks, but searching the scriptures and words of the prophets, asking for spiritual confirmation along the way. But I challenge you to seek for the truth. I cannot describe all of the blessings my faith has brought me. They are so numerous, that I can't even recognize them all. My wish is for all that read this post to have the same opportunity.
Talks for further study:
Safety for the Soul by Elder Holland October 2009
Can You Feel So Now? by Elder Cook October 2012
"Lord, I Believe" by Elder Holland April 2013
The Prophet Joseph Smith by Elder Corbridge April 2014
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