Our testimonies are ever-changing. If we are not growing them by bringing constant light into our lives, they will slowly diminish. Sometimes despite our best efforts to grow our testimonies we still come across materials, feelings, or others who will make us question our testimonies.
In the words of Elder Anderson,
"Why does the Lord allow the evil speaking to chase after the good? One reason is that opposition against the things of God sends seekers of truth to their knees for answers."
There has been recent talk about Joseph Smith in the news, if you haven't heard about it yet, you will. Because the opposition will only continue to get worse as we get closer to Christ's 2nd Coming. As it has many times in the past, the information published has caused many members to doubt.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf has said,
"Some struggle with unanswered questions about things that have been done or said in the past. We openly acknowledge that in nearly 200 years of Church history—along with an uninterrupted line of inspired, honorable, and divine events—there have been some things said and done that could cause people to question.
Sometimes questions arise because we simply don’t have all the information and we just need a bit more patience. When the entire truth is eventually known, things that didn’t make sense to us before will be resolved to our satisfaction."
I once heard that telestial minds cannot comprehend celestial things. We all have telestial minds on earth, and things that don't make sense right this second will be taught to us line upon line, precept upon precept.
In the most recent general conference President Uchtdorf gave a talk entitled "Receiving a Testimony of Light & Truth." He gave an experiment, with a guarantee from God that each of us can use.
1. He invited us to search the scriptures. You won't find light in darkness. True study of the scriptures will bring the Spirit into your life. And even if you don't get a word for word answer to your questions, you will feel The Holy Ghost bear witness to you of the truths of the gospel.
2. Consider, ponder, fearlessly strive to believe. Take the time to ponder over the things you have studied and the way you have felt. The Lord is so merciful, he has provided so much light for us to search out.
3. Ask Heavenly Father. The promise is there in Moroni. If you ask with real intent, HE WILL ANSWER.
4. "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine." We are give this promise from John 7:17 in the Bible. We have to ACT on our beliefs to turn those beliefs into KNOWLEDGE.
Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.
Doubt is a normal part of life, a normal part of the gospel, and something you will inevitably encounter as your strive to be a disciple of Christ. Don't let one question keep you from the truths you already know. Strive to learn, understand and pray about it. The best place to find gospel answers is in the gospel.
Your Heavenly Father loves you. He is aware of you. And He is aware of your doubts. He wants you to turn to Him so he can reach out his arms, pull you into a big hug and teach you all you need to know!
REFERENCED IN PEP TALK:
Joseph Smith- by Elder Anderson
Come, Join with Us- by President Dieter F Uchtdorf
Receiving a Testimony of Truth & Light- by President Dieter F Uchtdorf
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