A while ago I was asked to give a talk in church about strengthening testimonies. So I thought that I'd put it up here for all to read, and here it is:
I am a trial and error kind of person. Therefor it only makes sense that my testimony is trial and error as well. I have been through many trials and I have made many errors, but all in all, every experiences has strengthened my testimony. The same can be said for many different people in the scriptures. Nephi was beaten by his own brothers but never lost faith. Joseph Smith was tarred and feathered but got up the next day and preached the gospel. And people laughed at Noah but he built the ark anyway. None of these people let their trials shake their testimonies but they let them strengthen them instead.
This summer all the young women in our church went to young women camp for four days and one of those four days the stake youth leaders planned a spiritual night for everyone there. They each gave beautiful talks that not only strengthened my testimony but probably every girl there. And after that all the girls had a chance to bear their testimonies.
In D&C section 17 verses 5-9 Jesus bears his testimony of the Book of Mormon to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris. And it reads: "And ye shall testify that you have seen them, even as my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., has seen them; for it is by my power that he has seen them and it is because he had faith. And he has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded his, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true. Wherefore, you have received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him; And if you do these last commandments of mine, which I have given you, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; for my grace is sufficient for you, and you shall be lifted up at the last day, And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amen." Imagine how after hearing this, how the testimonies of those three men were strengthened. I have had many chances in which my testimony was strengthened, and it may not have always been one of the happiest moments but it was strengthened none the less.
In D&C section 1 verses 37-39 it reads: "Search these commandments for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall be fulfilled. What I the Lord Have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, whether by mine own voice or the voice of my servants, it is the same. For behold, and lo, the Lord is God and, the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen." This is not only a commandment but also another part of the Lords testimony. He's saying that his commandments are true and faithful, that the earth may pass away his word shall never pass away, and that the Lord is God and the Spirit bears a true record.
I believe these things are true and I am glad to have chances to strengthen my own testimony. God love me and every person on this earth. We just have to show faith and our testimonies will be better for it.
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