For me the answer is clear and undeniable! My knowledge of God’s great plan of happiness for each of us gives me an eternal perspective that brings peace, comfort and joy to my life.
I know where I came from. I lived with God before I came to earth. I felt His love for me personally and wanted to be more like my Heavenly Father that I loved so much.
I know that God sent me to earth to accomplish that very thing; to gain knowledge and experiences that will help me be more like Him. And while this time I have on earth may seem hard at times or monotonous and tiring, I am grateful to know why I’m here. In the grand scheme of things, this is a short time to be here before returning home to my God.
To be truly tested I must live by faith. If I remembered living with God and knew every little thing He wanted me to do, I would not be able to exercise my faith. I want to be like Alma, and all those who followed him, who were exceedingly blessed for their faith.
“Blessed art thou, Alma, and blessed are they who were baptized in the waters of Mormon. Thou art blessed because of thy exceeding faith in the words alone of my servant Abinadi.” (Book of Mormon; Mosiah 26:15)
Alma didn’t see God. He wasn’t raised all his life learning what the Lord wanted him to do. He didn’t follow the popular crowd. He simply heard ONE man teach repentance and the gospel of Jesus Christ, felt in his heart that it was true, and determined, then and there, to do God’s will. That is living by faith! That is what this life is about, and what brings peace and joy.
~ Cindy
What a powerful example Abinadi and Alma the Sr. are, in showing the profound influence and impact that just one very motivated person can have for righteousness.