Zacharias and his wife, Elisabeth, were Jews who lived
near Jerusalem. They obeyed God’s commandments. For many years they prayed to
have a baby. When they were old, they still had no children.
Gabriel said that John would be a righteous prophet of
God. He would teach people about Jesus Christ.
Zacharias did not believe the angel. Elisabeth was too old
to have a baby. Gabriel said that because he did not believe what God had
promised, Zacharias would not be able to talk until John was born.
So after having this lesson in Sunday school, yes I did think about a certain time in my
life where I was like Zacharias. You may think it is funny(haha) but for me it
was a changing point.
Has there been a time in our life where you doubted or did not
believe something that you were told? Why did you doubt or disbelieve? How can
we exercise our faith to follow the promptings and not doubt?
So, I have a story to share with you.
Over the past summer I had a great desire to find my eternal companion and get
married in the temple. I had no idea how this would happen, when it would
happen, where it would happen, or who it would be. My mother particularly told
me that I needed to pray with real intent that my Heavenly Father would guide
and direct me to find this special person. In praying though, she said that I
needed to actually pour out my heart in a petition to my Heavenly Father and let
him know what I am looking for and desire to have in a companion. I also needed
to let my Heavenly Father know that I truly was ready for this next step in my
life of marriage.
I followed my mothers counsel and
offered a sincere heartfelt pray to my Heavenly Father about my desire. I even
committed that I would go on dates with whoever asked no matter what. The next
day my husband to be asked me on a date. At first, like Zacharias I did not
recognize this wonderful person as being an answer to my prayers. I had always
desired to be blessed with a companion who was like my dad and brothers, then
when he showed up I was doubtful. I had never met anyone like him before. He
was so much more than I had thought I would be blessed with.
People would tell me all the time
that I would not find anyone perfect but Dallas was perfect for me. It took me
a while to realize that this was a miracle and blessing from my Heavenly
Father, but as I put aside my doubtful thoughts and believed I knew with out a
doubt this is who I would be married to for time and all eternity. The
Atonement of Jesus Chritst is central to our lives and our Heavenly Fathers
plan for us. "Only the gospel will save the world from the calamity of
its own self-destruction. Only the gospel will unite men of all races and
nationalities in peace. Only the gospel will bring joy, happiness, and
salvation to the human family” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson
[1988], 167). Dallas has definitely changed my life
and helped me to come closer to my Savior and Heavenly Father.
Mormon 9:27-28
27 O then despise not, and
wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the
name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin
as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out
your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.
28 Be wise in the days of your
probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it
on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no
temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God.
I know that my Heavenly Father is aware of all His children’s
desires and needs. I know that He answers prayers, but it is our duty to be
accepting of the blessings He is offering and to not doubt the miracles He
places in our paths.
“A miracle is an extraordinary event caused by the power of God.
Miracles are an important element in the work of Jesus Christ. They include
healings, restoring the dead to life, and resurrection. Miracles are a part of
the gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith is necessary in order for miracles to be
manifested” (Guide to the Scriptures, 165).
Scripture References:
The choice is ours in how we are
going to live our lives. Faith if the first principle of the gospel and as we
exercise faith in our Savior and His atonement we will not have room for any
doubt. Faith includes a hope for things which are not seen, but which are true
(Heb. 11:1;
Alma 32:21;
Ether 12:6).
Faith is kindled by hearing the gospel taught by authorized administrators sent
by God (Rom. 10:14–17).
Miracles do not produce faith, but strong faith is developed by obedience to
the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, faith comes by righteousness (Alma 32:40–43;
Ether 12:4, 6,
12; D&C 63:9–12).
True faith brings miracles, visions, dreams, healings, and
all the gifts of God that he gives to his Saints. By faith one obtains a
remission of sins and eventually is able to dwell in God’s presence. A lack of
faith leads one to despair, which comes because of iniquity (Moro. 10:22).
“Doubt your doubts
before you doubt your faith.”—President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!!
