faith experience one, day four

There is so much power in Joseph Smith's account of the first vision.  It is a testimony that God hears and answers prayers.  Verse 13 is my favorite for tonight:

At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkeness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God.  I at length came to the determination to "ask of God," concluding that if he gave wisdom to them who lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.

I believe I reach points like this in my life often.  Points at which I can decide whether I want to know the truth, take the step forward and follow God's plan for me, or stay in the comfortable darkness.  Each time I reach such crossroads in my life it is a struggle to decide wheather to stay or to leap with faith into the outstretched arms of my loving Heavenly Father.  But the prophet, Joseph Smith, makes a good point when he says that if God would give us wisdom and not hold back, then it is worth a try.  It is worth taking that step or leap because God has promised us that he will catch us.  This is where I find strength in the scriptures and in close friends.  The scriptures are given to us as a resource.  I like reading about how God keeps his promises to man.  For myself, if God keeps his promises to those long ago, then it is easier for me to believe that God will keep his promises with me.  What makes them different from me, or visa versa?  Nothing!  We are all children of our Heavnely Father.  Friends and family are an immediate source of strength.  They hold me up and push me on when I want to hid in the darkness.  Knowing that they believe God will be on the other end of His promise, helps me to believe also.

-ARi