Heavenly feelings. Celestial emotions. The divine feels. Mortal description cannot comprehend the mercies and miracles of this week. Pure joy, my friends. Pure joy. It should be a testimony to us that we are not of this world, when we feel this, "out of body" feelings. Our spirits yearn to remember and feel those celestial emotions-- the kind of feels we felt in the presence of the Savior. The peace, "not as the world giveth" but that the Lord giveth. We were made for something better-- we were made to FEEL something better-- and I testify that my mortal frame inched a feeling closer to the celestial emotion. In the words of Ammon,
Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel. -Alma 26:16
I too, cannot say the smallest part which I feel. Beyond blessing and wrapped in the arms of mercy, we have had a week of miracles. Friends and family, the day of miracles HAVE NOT CEASED. And I'll prove it in this weeks edition of the GONZALES GAZETTE: CHAPTER FOUR.
Today I testify of miracles.
Now there maybe some of you who have reason to ask, "has the day of miracles ceased?"
Well, inquisitive human, to you I say, "NAY."
The day of miracles has not ceased.
I read a talk from Elder Hallstrom this week that I would love to reference. His words are much better than mine-- but I pray that through his words we may all feel worthy of and seek after the miracles of the Lord.
What about the innumerable faith-filled, priesthood-blessing-receiving, unendingly-prayed-for, covenant-keeping, full-of-hope Latter-day Saints whose miracle never comes? At least in the way they understand a miracle. At least in the way that others appear to receive miracles. What about those who suffer from profound afflictions—physically, mentally, emotionally—for years or for decades or for their entire mortal life? What about those who die so very young?
Do good people and their loved ones have reason to ask the question posed by Mormon: “Has the day of miracles ceased?”
My limited knowledge cannot explain why sometimes there is divine intervention and other times there is not. But perhaps we lack an understanding of what constitutes a miracle.
Often we describe a miracle as being healed without a full explanation by medical science or as avoiding catastrophic danger by heeding a clear prompting. However, defining a miracle as “a beneficial event brought about through divine power that mortals do not understand” gives an expanded perspective into matters more eternal in nature. This definition also allows us to contemplate the vital role of faith in the receipt of a miracle.
Moroni taught, “Neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith.” Ammon proclaimed, “God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles.”The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith, “For I am God, … and I will show miracles … unto all those who believe on my name.”
King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego worship the golden image he set up as a god, threatening, “If ye worship not, ye shall be cast … into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” Then he taunted them with “Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?”
These three devout disciples said: “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace. … But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods.”
They possessed full confidence that God could save them, “but if not,” they had complete faith in His plan.
A critical question to ponder is “Where do we place our faith?” Is our faith focused on simply wanting to be relieved of pain and suffering, or is it firmly centered on God the Father and His holy plan and in Jesus the Christ and His Atonement? Faith in the Father and the Son allows us to understand and accept Their will as we prepare for eternity.
Today I testify of miracles. Being a child of God is a miracle. Receiving a body in His image and likeness is a miracle. The gift of a Savior is a miracle.11 The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a miracle. The potential for eternal life is a miracle.
I testify of miracles! It is a miracle to be a missionary. We see miracles every day-- but that doesn't mean our faith hasn't wavered. Oh, that I could be an angel-- that may faith may never waver. Luckily for us, though we may sometimes doubt God, he never doubts us. He sees us for who we can become, he, "looketh on the heart," and because of his perspective he has perfect faith... in US! What a relieving thought that is... especially this week. Sometimes in my mission, I have gone through cycles of, "not feeling worthy of a miracle" or "doubting my faith-ability to authorize miracles"-- but something I've learned recently is that even the smallest amount of faith can enable mercy to make up the difference for a miracle. God is a GOD of miracles-- and because of that, he is anxious to work with whatever we have, so he can give us what He is.
Take this week for instance...
WE SAW MIRACLES.
TRULY.
After weeks of humility and deep supplication with the Father, we were found worthy enough to witness the true miracle of conversion. Our two elect friends, entered the waters of baptism this week--witnessing before the Father that they are willing to be living witnesses of Jesus Christ and to be covenant keepers of His holy promises. Y'all, I have seen the progression of a Christlike countenance. I have witnessed the incremental endowment of light. I have seen the blessings of keeping commitments and the mercies of God unfolded according to exceedingly great faith and joy. I have seen the Spirit in action; changing hearts, minds, and lives. My testimony has skyrocketed through the firmament as I have been apart of this great journey. Satan may have tried, but pathetic as he is, his efforts were no match against the power of God. His miracles were even in the small things...
"We don't have the correct size in a jumpsuit for her the man said. [Note: jumpsuit= an article of clothing worn when baptized.]
"Here is a perfectly fitting jumpsuit, conveniently placed in the church's building. I will prompt Bishop to find it," God responded.
They were married, baptized, and empowered through the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not only did they benefit from their decision, but the squadron of non-members they invited to both events now all have the precious gift of, The Book of Mormon. The members of the Gonzales, as noble and great as they already were, now have concrete evidence of the miracles of missionary work! And... two missionaries were able to feel the approval of the Lord and experience the greatest joy of the Gospel. My gratitude to the Lord could simply not be enough. I've actually made a great focus this week to have even more earnest, fervent, and sincere prayers so that he can truly know how grateful I am. I've been very thankful for the spirit lately-- hopefully, he can relay how I feel to heaven. I can sympathize with Ammon... "oh... who can say too much of His great power?"
Side note: I'm actually getting kinda frustrated with my mortality as I write this... because words of this life cannot truly explain how I feel, what God has done, and what miracles we have seen. It's kind of like sharing your testimony to a toddler... you just want them to understand but you know that nothing you say will do justice or make sense! Hopefully y'all get the idea. There is a divine difference between being happy... and feeling joy... Please know, that is the greatest extension of the feeling, I feel... JOY.
And I want to add:
"This definition also allows us to contemplate the vital role of faith in the receipt of a miracle."
And let me just say, though I may be ashamed to admit, my faith was a little chastised this wee.
As a missionary, you always feel like you can have and do more. Well, this week, the case was FAITH.
So, most of the non-member family who came to the wedding and the baptism, all go to the same church. They have such an incredible family, we thought, "why not?" So before our meeting on Sunday, we attended the MACEDONIA CHURCH OF DELIVERANCE. Let me tell you... these people know FAITH. Which is ironic, in the case of this story. They love the kids in their church-- in fact, you can sense the fear they have for the upcoming generation. They gave an incredible sermon about loving yourself, directed towards the kids, and after they allowed us to say a few words (ahem... testify of Christ...) they all greeted us and invited us to their Bible study. Elder Paul and I had the most incredible feeling leaving this church... as I entered the congregation, I thought of the conversion story of the Spanish branch in Vicksburg. Congregations were flocking to the font, itching to receive the restored Gospel... I think God has great plans for this church. Our beloved friend was only the beginning for this family... he is the small drop in an ocean of potential. We're planning on teaching the Restoration to the pastor this week-- so wish us luck!
Anyways...
As we exited the meeting we received a text on our phone, "outside."
We were pleasantly surprised, assuming someone had kept their commitment to come to church. Even MORE SURPRISING was who the text was from!
A little context... we found this family of nine a few weeks prior, and they had been very inconsistent with their commitments. From, promising to come to church to reading the Book of Mormon, they just couldn't seem to make the extra effort to do these things. As I was offering my morning prayer, I had rifled through my mind the list of potentials to greet at church and the members we could ask to fellowship them... and I had counted them out of the running-- regarding them as, "a thing of naught..."
Much to our surprise, they were the VERY family who had texted that they were, "outside." When we arrived, you couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces with a celestial eraser. The only smile bigger... was the Bishop! They had actually come an hour early and been fellowshipped by the ward immensely. Their comments were along the lines of, "these people are so nice" and, "I really like this church." Not only did they come, but a YSA reached out to us that morning, requesting a ride to the church out of the blue. When he sat down in the pew his only question was, "So, what does it take to be baptized?" Two other non-member families and one less active family we had been working with also made appearances. My heart was so full--- the only inhibitor was the stress of sitting by all of them at once! Oh, that I had a triplet... alas, my faith had been strengthened through chastisement! Never give up on the presumable, "poor spots of ground." God can work miracles in mysterious ways, and he very well did that day. I am just grateful for his mercy... even though we didn't deserve it... and I certainly didn't have the faith necessary... he showed unto us MIRACLES.
By small and simple means (faith as a seed)-- great things can be brought to pass (MIRACLES!).
Y'all, this week filled my journal with celestial things. My greatest desire is that you all could have been there to experience it with me. However, my earnest prayer is that YOU all can experience miracles of your own this week! I know God is waiting... he is waiting on your faith... he is waiting on your prayers... he has blessings in reserve, contingent upon our obedience to receive them. Prove God herewith this week! Desire His joy! Your only frustration will be that of the true saint... not enough room in your journal to record the elect mercies! In all seriousness, I love our Heavenly Father. I love the Savior. It is only in and through them and their mercies, merits, and grace that these things are possible. It is my testimony that God is preparing experiences for us this very minute... we just need to have the faith and attitude to receive them! I know this is the Lord's church and His work--- else, how could we see such marvelous works and wonders? I am honored to be his servant at this time-- as faithless as I may sometimes be. My joy is full. SEEK MIRACLES THIS WEEK! And maybe, just maybe, you too will be a missionary teaching toddlers and a celestial feeler, all your own. HAVE A GREAT WEEK Y'ALL! ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU!
Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.
A miracle lover,
Elder Boyd
No comments:
Post a Comment