Thank you for your emails, for your letters, for your prayers and for your encouragement. I have made quite the journey in a week. And it has come to a building of my faith and a release of my will into God's will. Doubt and fear are opposed to faith. So I had to start a journey to build my faith to overcome my fear. I asked many people for help and everyone was guided by the Lord to help me get back on my feet.
When you think about faith, what defines it? For me it is people's lives and experiences. I was reflecting upon my own faith this morning and I recalled several experiences that I had over the years regarding faith. While on my mission, I have had many more. While in the MTC, I specifically remember an experience with prayer. Sister Latu pulled me out of class to talk to me and to counsel me. She shared an experience with me about an answer to a prayer that she had received. Then, after talking a bit more, she invited me to have a vocal, kneeling prayer with her in that room. She invited me to pray for anything that my heart desired. I started out, a bit awkwardly with only the two of us in the room. Then, I really started to think about my Savior and the desires of my heart. At that moment, my family had become quite prevalent on my mind. I simply asked for one thing. It was as if the room shifted. I was alone with my Father pleading with Him. I know he heard my prayer. And by faith miracles are wrought.
Prayer is the miracle and the gift that God gives us to use our agency to align our will with His. He allows us opportunities to discover our weaknesses within ourselves, then through prayer we allow the Lord to take our weaknesses and make them strengths. We work to overcome. We work in faith. Faith is an action word. We have to step out of our comfort zone to truly experience faith. We have to do something that seems silly sometimes, but if we really believe, that belief turns to knowledge. I know my Savior lives. I know that God is a God of miracles. I know He answers prayers.
The other day, I woke up and got on my knees. I started to pray and for some odd reason, I prayed for the sun to be shining that day. That isn't something that I normally pray for, but the weather had not been good for a few days. When I walked into the other room to start studying, I pulled open the blinds. The sun was shining! It was magnificent and beautiful! We were able to go tracting that day. There were a lot of people out. We had a first discussion with a couple that told us that they normally wouldn't talk to missionaries. We placed a Book of Mormon. And this man, who was so prepared, quoted Alma 32! So we challenged him to read that chapter and read about the faith that swells within us when the seed is good. God is a God of miracles.
My wonderful family, I have seen a miracle every single day of my mission. God is aware of us. Another investigator asked a question that has been buzzing through my brain for a week. He asked, "If we pray and ask God for help, isn't that allowing Him to interfere with the choices we make?" I testify to you that it is not. By choosing to turn to God in prayer, by choosing to be obedient, the laws of heaven bind Him to pour His blessings upon us. They are ours for the reaching. Is it worth the effort?
I love you my wonderful family. I have learned so much this week. I have grown as a missionary and as a person. I know who I serve and why I serve Him. Thank you for your love and for your support. Man alive! I didn't even really talk about my week! Sister Thatcher had the flu so we were inside for two days. It was perfect for me to refocus my efforts. I am in a missionary choir that practices on p-days so I haven't had very much time to do any writing besides this email and the one to President McKee. So, next Monday (if I don't get transferred next week) I will have more time to write you back. Please accept my apologies in not being able to write sooner. Just know I love you. I pray for you. And I am excited to hear about the news in everyone's lives. Mel, you should probably go back to the Bar-T :) And Eli sounds like a gem... short, bald... charming ;) Sounds like a winner! Whatever happens in your life, I know it is part of God's plan for you. Jare, thanks for your letter! I will write you next week- but I am so happy that you and Taryn are so happy :) I expect to have a niece when I get home. Mom, I appreciate your writing me a letter and the positive affirmations. I feel like I can breath again! Don't hurt your hand too much for my sake please :) Zach, I am glad you have a good job and that school is well. I am glad you are happy :) And Daddy, I love you. I just love you more than you know. I love your letters and emails so much. Hang in there with work... Tell Grandma Janet I got her email. I love her so much too. And Grandma Lu sent me a nice letter too. She is very supportive. I love the words of encouragement she sends.
I have to go. But if I have missed anyone, just know I love you so much. Have an amazing week- and let the Lord lead you. It is amazing how much peace you can find by allowing Him to be in charge.
I love you! Love always,
Sister Alicia Johnson
No comments:
Post a Comment