If there is anything we truly wish to know it first begins within us as a desire. When it comes to learning of Jesus Christ we must have within us a desire to know about Him. As that desire grows we come to want to know more. More about Him, who He is, His life, His teachings and the reason or purpose behind it all.
As we grow to know Him we gain greater knowledge of our Father in Heaven. Our desire to understand His plan and purpose for each of us grows. Understanding this life and the purpose of our trials, and pains help us draw closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. As we choose to allow them into our hearts and our life.
It may seem impossible at first. But as the desire continues to burn it becomes easier to see how it is possible.
Desire leads to Knowledge
My desire began as I longed to know which, of all the churches on this land, was the right church. They all seemed to teach something a bit differently than another. In the scriptures, we learn that God is the same yesterday, today and forever:
Psalm 102:27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Mormon 9:9, 11 9 For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?
11 But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are.
Mormon 9:19 And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.
Doctrine and Covenants 20:17 By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them;
Being Lost can lead to Growth
Before learning and accepting His truth I felt lost and confused for many years. Feeling comfortable talking with anyone about was something I wasn’t ready for. Years later when I came to know for myself what was true, that changed. Looking back on those years He had always been trying to help me see which church was His true Church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
I have come to understand that desire must build and grow within us before the truth is revealed to us. It’s not always that our desire to know may not be great enough. More often it has to do with areas of our lives that we cannot yet see. Areas that may help or hinder us.
I waited 24 long years…longer really I suppose in some ways. I recall really wondering which church was true when I was 12. It wasn’t until I was 35 that I was really open to hearing and accepting the truth, His truth. Once I was ready & willing to accept it frustration set in for not having accepted it earlier in my life. I didn’t see was there was much more I needed to be ready to accept the truth of His Gospel.
Their Knowledge of Us-Individually
Heavenly Father always knew that I would accept His word. He also knew I would need a great deal of love and support along the way. That my friends can take time. Just because we may want something right now does not mean that the time for us to receive it right. So it is with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know us each so perfectly and love us deeply. Just as They are patient with us we likewise need to be patient with Them. Especially in Heavenly Father’s timing for us when it comes to knowledge and events in our life.
Appreciate the Wait
I have come to appreciate more deeply the time it took me to accept Jesus Christ into my life. I have a greater appreciation for the trials and challenges of my life. I am grateful for the way they have shaped and molded me into the woman I have become.
I used to wish my life had been so very different. Wishing it had been better than it was, less challenging and trying. Had it been any different I would not be who I am right now. It’s possible I wouldn’t like the end result had my life been different. Asking for things to be different now is something I can’t do. I really love who I have become. Divinely created for a great purpose I am a beautiful mess. It is my duty & sacred privilege to share my journey and the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. They may feel as lost as I once was.
I challenge you to foster that desire within your heart. Allow it to burn within you and when His time is right for you, be it now or later, allow Him to change your life by accepting His Gospel.
