(A class I gave for our first Relief Society activity this year)
We are all converts to the Gospel meaning that at least once in our lves, we need to come to a knowledge of the turthfulness of God, Jesus, and the Gospel. For some people, that knowledge is questioned more than once. Sometimes our belief or faith isn't very strong to begin with and we question again. For others maybe their testimony is " more a hope that what you have learned is true" (Richard G. Scott, Oct. 2001 General Conference). For some it is a "vague belief that worthwhile concepts and patterns of life seem to be reasonable and logical" (Scott). Elder Richard G. Scott tell us "such mental assent will not help when you face the serious changes that will inevitably come to you." (Oct. 2001 General Conference).
In many instances, we don't begin by questioning our testimony but we start to question our self-worth instead, then we begin to doubt our beliefs, asking ourselves- "Does God really hear ME?" "Does He really care about ME?" "With all the billions of popel on the earth, why shoud (would or could) He know about ME?" We begin to believe oursleves as we repeat those awful mantras- "I don't matter" or "I am nothing" or "I don't count" or my favorite "It doesn't matter" referring to ourselves as "it".
Our minds are gullible when it comes to ourselves. What you tell it, you will believe. If you say it often enough, it becomes true in your mind. Father in Heaven knows this! He inspired people to help us as women combat this. How many of you remember going to Young Women and repeating the theme every week..."We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love Him...."? We needed to hear it. We needed to hear ourselves saying it. By saying it over and over, we began to believe this truth that others already knew until, eventually, it became truth in our own minds.
As I thought about what to say about helping to build up our faith and testimony when we are in the Spiritually lean times, I felt impressed to start at the basics. The first Article of Faith is the foundation of our testimony, stating "We believe in God the Eternal Father and in His son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." In our busy, chaotic world, it is easy to lose sight of God. To take for granted all that He actually does for us. Think about and make a list of blessings in your life- everything- from family and friends to indoor plumbing or even the car that keeps breaking down, but at least you have a car! A few years ago, I kept a gratitude journal. I know that many of you have, too. How did it make you feel? How does it make you feel as you go back over your gratitude journal when you are having a bad day and remember all the things you wrote in there? I love rereading mine! If you haven't started one, or have slacked off, do it. It helps to remind yourself of the blessings Father gives to you and know that He does know you. He knows your needs and wants. He is mindful of you and has provided people, things, and situations to help you on your journey.
Ponder on the order of the earth and its systems. I have taken and sat in many science classes in the past few years and have heard over and over how the universe supposedly started from a bang and then over millions of years, particles became living and then organized themselves and evolved to become the intricate creatures they are now. No matter how many times I hear the scientific explanation of how the earth came to be in this moment of time, I always come to the conclusion that it had to have been through the power of God that all these processes came to be.
As you think on all these things- your blesssings, the earth- pray about them. Thank Father for them. Develop a grateful attitude. As you do these things, you will feel the love of Father in Heaven for you. These things weren't provided for everyone but you. Everything was provided for ALL His children to enjoy, even you!
Let's go to the fourth Article of Faith. The first part I want to point out is "We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are first faith in the Lord Jesus Christ". How do we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ? For everyone this could be personal- study scriptures, listen to testimonies of others, prayer, serving others, etc. Not only do we have to think about having faith, but we also need to act on that faith. Bishop Campbell stated "Faith is nothing more than belief turned into action." (Combined RS/Priesthood lesson, Jan. 29, 2012). Our faith in Him will grow as we put our thoughts and beleifs into action.
The second part of that article is "repentance". Sometimes we doubt because we know we aren't making right choices. We know we are doing something wrong or we have done something wrong and don't want to face it. If it is something that needs to be brought before the Bishop, do it. The feeling of knowing you are on the right path to repentance is so liberating! You feel like an unbearable burden is lifted off you and you are no longer dragging. Even little things that can be resolved between you and Father in Heaven can weigh you down. Don't procrastinate any more. Just do it.
The third part of the article is "baptism by immersion for the remission of sins". Most, if not all, of us in this room are already baptized so how can we make this apply to us? Attend sacrament meeting and partake of the sacrament; renew your covenants that you made at baptism. Think about them and honor them. You can also attend the temple. Most times, when we attend the temple, we do the endownments, but you can do the baptisms, too. That isn't solely for the youth. Participate in the other ordinances as well to help you remember the wonderful promises given in each of them. If you don't have a recommend, work towards getting one, then use it.
The last part of this article is "laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost". If you have already been baptized, then you have also already recieved the gift of the Holy Ghost, so how can this part help strengthen our testimony? We can listen and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Follow them as soon as you can. Don't wait around or try and second guess yourself. Just do it. When you follow the promptings you receive, you become more in tune and will receive more promptings in more areas of your life. I have tried in the past few months to do better in following promptings and I have found that when I second guess as to whether or not I really received a prompting, something will happen that makes me realize why I was prompted to do something in the first place. Sometimes, it wasn't very pleasant and I resolve to try harder to follow through with the promptings right away.
Another way this last part of the article can help is by the laying on of hands part. Sisters, it is okay to seek a blessing from a worthy priesthood holder for help, comfort, and guidance. Through a blessing you will hear the words of your Father in Heaven speaking to you through the priesthood holder telling you what He wants you to know. Father in Heaven loves you. He wants you to be happy. He wants you to progress and grow. He is there for you. You need to seek Him because He is already there.
I pray that you will find the peace you seek as you live through the spiritually lean times. I pray that you will remember your worth and you will remember Father loves you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
