Preach My Gospel is absolutely amazing! I sat down to read in the 3rd chapter about the first lesson that missionaries give. It's been a long time since I have opened PMG up. I felt like reading about Joseph Smith. I really felt like I was guided to read about that, because I feel like I have a completely new perspective on his First Vision.
- 1820 -
This 14-year old boy was truly marvelous for his age, but not too different than other 14-year-old boys his age either. He was curious and inquisitive. He was an avid reader of the Bible and searcher of truth. This is actually what I feel like we all do almost on a daily basis. We really want to know the truth about things, no matter how small they seem. Joseph's specific case was wanting to know which religion taught the true doctrine of Jesus Christ. If you've ever had a doubt or concern about things, what do you usually do? I think Joseph did the same. He went to his parents and family, he went to friends, and those with great wisdom and authority. He learned all he could about the different churches so he could make a decision for himself.
It was hard, though. Because everyone told him what they thought was right and how things really were. They believed that they knew. His parents were supportive, as was his family, in helping him discover out the truth. Thank goodness for that influence. Many tried to persuade him, though. Have you ever experienced that before? All of the sudden everyone took advantage of this inquiring mind and tried to fill it with their beliefs. In all reality, the confusion was so great and was further augmented by Joseph's lack of experience and knowledge. How could he know. Flip a coin? Go with the "smartest" individual's plan? It was a decision he did not want to take lightly, and really wanted to know for himself.
He finally found where to turn after reading in the Bible: "If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God; that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him."
He did that. He prayed with his whole heart, and asked for guidance. He asked to know which church was true. He received a marvelous vision--a vision of Jesus Christ and our Father in heaven. In all of their glory, they appeared to this young boy and told him the truth: None of the churches were true.
The heavens were opened again. Truth was bestowed. Man could know for himself the direct will of God for him--God's own child. I am so grateful for this. I know that God reveals himself to us in our mind and heart through the Holy Ghost. When there is confusion, and we don't know what path is right... when all seems dark, hopeless, and just a guessing game... we can know what is right. Our Father sees eternity and knows how we fit into his plan. We can ask him, and he will tell us.
Peace, comfort, joy, confidence, meekness... These are signs that the spirit is speaking to us and guiding us. They are feelings that cannot be counterfeited by anyone else, especially the adversary, Satan.
I know our Heavenly Father loves us and teaches us his will for us. I have felt that. It just requires faith and trust in him and his infinite love and knowledge.
