Sacrifice Brings Forth Blessings

Name Withheld

It was taught in a conference a few years ago that great faith is not attained through big trials or temptations, rather it is those experiences that reveal faith and help to confirm faith. I learned the truth of this teaching in my life.

I went through a few years which were for me without question the most trying time of my life so far. During this time I experienced a depth of spiritual and emotional feeling that I had previously never realized existed.

I came to recognize that all of the “small and simple” practices such as scripture study, prayer, church attendance, striving to keep the commandments, and even previous trials, had built up in me strength to endure this time period. I was constantly having things I had studied in the past “brought to my remembrance” and they gave me strength.

During this time, I increased my temple attendance and I studied and prayed like I never had before. The Holy Ghost frequently taught me and gave me strength. Yet even with all I was doing, the stress of the situation became deeper and deeper until I came to a point of desperation. I pleaded in the temple one day for divine help. I let my Heavenly Father know I was doing all I knew how to do to overcome the trial I was facing, but I couldn’t do it anymore. I needed His help.

I went out of the temple that day knowing with certainty that my prayer had been heard and that things would turn out okay. From that point on things began to change. It wasn’t long after that I received a clear answer in general conference. It involved taking an action in my life I had not thought of previously. It was an action that required sacrificing something that meant a lot to me.

Even though I knew without question it was direct counsel from the Lord through His servant, I didn’t want to do it. I felt the Spirit warn me that this “is an apostle of the Lord; if you do not follow his counsel, you will regret it.” Thankfully, I chose the Lord’s will instead of my own, even though it was extremely hard for me to do, and brought many, many, tears. I know many people in my life were blessed because of that choice.

I know that Heavenly Father is a real, personal being. I know there is power in the atonement of Jesus Christ, and I know that they deeply love each one of us. I know that we feel that love much more strongly and closely when we become truly humble. I know that the commandments and the little things we’re asked to do and study each day, do more than we realize to build faith and strength of spirit. 

I know that our prophet and apostles truly speak for God, and that there is divine power in the temple. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and that it is the only way for us to find lasting peace and happiness, no matter how hard it may sometimes be on the way.

I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.