Please forgive me for my lack of a voice, I've jut gotten back from Orlando Florida, Universal Studios. There is something about going for the first and last time that made me scream just that much louder when I saw Sponge Bob. Please bear with me my voice.
And a side note this is my first talk and the last before I leave.
Good morning Brothers and Sisters,
I have been asked to talk about how we can gain a testimony about the Savior and become fully converted to the gospel.
Alma teaches us how we gain a testimony in Alma, Chapter 32. Here, Alma was teaching the poor. They had gone through many afflictions. Alma explained to the that faith is not having a perfect knowledge of things. He explained tear testimonies, or faith in the Savior, grow like a seed. He explained that the first step to gaining a testimony is to "exercise a particle of faith." Faith is the seed. Alma goes on to explain how this small particle of faith will grow inside us until we come fully converted.
I want to focus on the first step in this process- Faith.
A wonderful example of the principle of faith is found in the Old Testament when the Priests of Israel had to cross the Jordan River. The priests were responsible for taking care of the Ark of the Covenant. They had to carry the Ark across the River. At this time the water level was very high. The priests did not know how they were going to get the Ark across. We read in Joshua, chapter 3:
"And as they that bare the ask were come into Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ask were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) that the waters which came down from above stood up... and the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan. "
The Priests did not know how they were going to cross the river, They were never told that the Lord would stop the flow of water. They actually had to step into the water first- then the miracle came.
In Ether 12 we read,
"For if there be no faith among the children of men, God can do not miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith."
Faith comes before the miracle.
Consider the following example from Boyd K Packer. He shared the following experience in the book The Edge of the Light.
"Shortly after I was called as a General Authority, I went to Harold B. Lee for counsel. He listened very carefully to my problem and suggested that I see President David O. McKay. President McKay counseled me as tot he direction I should go. I was very willing to be obedient but saw no way possible for me to do as he counseled me to do. I returned to Elder Lee and told him that I saw no way to move in the direction I was counseled to go. He said, 'the trouble is you want to see the end for the beginning.' i applied that would at least like to see a step of two ahead. Then came the lesson of a lifetime; 'You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness, then the light will appear and show the way before you'."
We are talking about Elder Boyd K Packer!!! It was even hard for him to take the first step. If it was hard for him, how much harder must it be for us to take a step.
I know that many of us are looking for answers. Many of us pray for answers, direction or assistance. Often times we may become discouraged in our search for answers. Remember before we can receive the miracle of guidance from the Lord, we must first exercise faith. We do not exercise faith by just saying we believe- we exercise faith by acting upon our belief. Like the Priests of Israel, we must take the first step. Only then will the answers and miracles come.
Remember you may not see the end. you may not even see a few steps in front of you. And, the steps you take may even seem counterintuitive. But, I know that if we choose to step, and take another, and another the answers and the miracle will come.
What is the first step to take? I submit to you that the answer is simple. Elder Nelson in his talk "Ask, Seek, Know" have us the order of the steps. He said;
"For each of you to receive revelation unique to your own needs and responsibilities, certain guidelines will prevail. The Lord asks you to develop faith, hope, charity and love with an eye single to the glory of God."
It is the order of the steps that is so perfect.
1. Decide to act (exercise faith)
2. Remember to maintain hope that the answers will come (believe in his promises)
3. Charity and Love
Like Boyd K. Packers experience, this may seem crazy. One may think to themselves; I am the one seeking comfort, healing or answers. Showing charity and love to others may seem counterintutive. We may think that we are the ones that needs that love and charity. But the principle is true and answers and miracles will come.
I want to close with my testimony, that I know the Church is true. I know he principles that are taught and I take them to heart. I am honored to be called to serve in the Porto Alegra North Brazil mission.
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