All Things Denote There Is A God
Why did I start a blog?
Brother Shamy (our seminary council teacher) asked that we read Elder Bednar's talk on social media titled, To Sweep the Earth as With a Flood. After reading the beautiful talk, the spirit prompted me to 'sweep the earth as with a flood' myself and spread the gospel through some form of social media. I wanted to do something that would allow me to bear my testimony of Christ however I felt inspired to do so. So that is exactly what I did, I started a blog.
"All things denote there is a God" (Alma 30:44) is a scripture that speaks to my soul. I have a firm testimony that God is in the every details of our lives. He knows me and He knows you. "yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." (Alma 30:44)
On Sunday December 7, 14, this principle that God is in the details of our lives was confirmed to me again. I was sitting in sacrament meeting listening to Sarah Knolton, who recently returned from her mission, bear her testimony. She has had a difficult time adjusting coming home.
As I was listening to her, I was over come by the Spirit. It pierced my heart in such a way that I have never experienced before. I heard a voice call me by name. It was God. The words He spake to me were, Rachel I need you to serve a mission. I will take care of you.
I was shocked. I then caught a glimpse of me as a missionary with my companion. All I could feel was complete joy. I remember feeling a burning in my heart as I spread the gospel. I could not believe what had just happened. I had received direct revelation from God. He answered the prayer of a stressed and confused high schooler wondering where to go to college and what to do with her life.
I now know what I need to do. I know I need to go on a mission.
This week has been very emotional from me. I have felt a tidal wave of emotion. Gratitude, happiness, anxiety, and sorrow. My heart is bursting with joy and anticipation for the sacred answer I received. But also sorrow. I won't be able to see Caleb for a long time. Caleb will be returning a few months after I depart into the mission field. Which means, I'll be out for approximately 4 months when he gets home. We won't see each other for about another 14 months. That's a long time.
But the more I ponder and pray about my decision, I realize that it won't be a sacrifice to be apart from Caleb, but a blessing. God has blessed me with the most wonderful family, home, friends, health, testimony, etc. it is my honor to serve Him. I know that God lives. I know He does. I cannot deny it.
For whatever reason, God needs me, Rachel Benson, to serve a mission. I know that He will watch over and protect me.
Something I tell myself over and over again when I start to get discouraged or miss Caleb, is everything happens for a reason. Whether we end up together or not, meeting Caleb changed my life.
I want to be more patient, loving, virtuous, and diligent, because Caleb emulates all those Christ-like qualities. Caleb has incredible faith. He trusts God through every trial and blessing in life. And no matter what, he can always make people smile and laugh. He is the most positive person. Come rain or shine, Caleb will be found serving someone with a bright smile on his face.
Reading his (much anticipated) letters each Monday, has strengthened my testimony and faith in my Savior Jesus Christ. I have come to know for myself that God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
I can hardly wait to serve a mission. It won't be easy, I know that, but it will be worth it. God will edify and refine me to become a true disciple of Christ. I am so blessed to be a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know this gospel is true. I have come to know and gain a testimony of its truthfulness for myself.
"But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." (Alma 30:44)
God lives and love all His children. He shows His love for us every day, we simply need to search, PONDER, and pray.
I'll go where you want me to go.
Job 19:25
