1993
Power of a Personal Testimony
February 1993


“Power of a Personal Testimony,” Ensign, Feb. 1993, 70

The Visiting Teacher:

Power of a Personal Testimony

As the children of a loving Heavenly Father, we are blessed with his love and can receive his inspiration in our daily lives. As we grow in faith and experience and learn to call upon him in all things, we can come to understand and rely upon the sustaining power of our personal testimonies.

In the book of Alma, Amulek reminds us that our Heavenly Father is deeply interested in all aspects of our lives. He encourages us to “exercise [our] faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name.” (Alma 34:17.)

“Humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.

“Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.

“Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.

“Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies. …

“Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.

“Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase. …

“Pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.” (Alma 34:19–22, 24–26.)

“Show Me the Way Home”

Many years ago, a young Latter-day Saint girl became lost in a wilderness outside her family’s ranch in the rugged hills of southeastern Montana. Frightened and bewildered, she realized she needed help immediately, so she closed her eyes and fervently prayed, “Father, show me the way home.”

The words had hardly left her mouth when she felt as if hands were placed on her shoulders and she was turned around. With this prompting, she started back up a nearby gulch. This strong impression remained with her all the way home and never left her until she turned the doorknob of her front door.

This experience helped form the foundation of the faith that sustained her throughout her life. “I wish all children, especially the lost ones, had such a knowledge of our Father’s love,” she said.

What personal evidences do we have that our Heavenly Father hears our prayers and directs our daily lives, even in small ways?

“Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock”

As we meet our challenges, we learn to live by faith, harmonizing our lives with God’s purposes. At times of crisis and decision, when we turn to God in prayer, we are in effect opening a door, attuning ourselves to receive spiritual power in our lives.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.” (Rev. 3:20.) An artist created a painting of the door described in this scripture, with a doorknob only on our side. Although the Lord stands ready to enter, he does not force anyone to invite him. We have our agency to open the door to him and allow him into our lives. “Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith.” (D&C 8:10.) He sees us at our daily work and is ready to respond. We can talk to him, and the Holy Ghost will be a constant companion. “And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light … and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.” (D&C 88:67.)

Our Heavenly Father’s love encompasses us all. He is there for us if we have the faith to seek him. As with the young girl, lost and afraid in the wilderness, the Lord will show us the way home if we humble ourselves and seek him in prayer.

How does applying Christ’s teachings demonstrate that we have invited him into our lives?

Illustrated by Lori Wing