Rebuilding My Faith When I Felt Lost | His Grace
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2021
- A young man tells how he returned home early from his mission determined to find his faith. Through a variety of “toddler” experiences, he now feels God telling him, “I’m so glad to have you here.”
Faith and belief in God didn’t come as easily to this young man as it seemed to come to others. Still, he started to teach others about the gospel of Jesus Christ as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until he could no longer profess to believe in something that he did not know to be true.
He didn’t ask his mission president for help, he simply said he was done. He covered his name tag and returned home. He still believed God was out there. “I knew I wasn’t the first to struggle with faith,” he said, affirming his desire find his faith.
One day, fearing an awkward meeting with a family friend who also had been his bishop years earlier, he was met at the door with a big hug. “I’m so glad to have you here,” said the former bishop.
“There was no spiritual interrogation. No pretending nothing had happened. Just love,” said the young man. “That’s the grace of God.”
His spiritual journey at a crossroads when he could have given up, he decided to continue to find his faith. Sometimes it was frustrating and progress too slow. But his belief in God and prayer led to random miracles, like a timely message, or unexpected greeting, that kept him seeking.
“I was looking for big things like revelation but found toddler miracles,” he said. “When I learned I couldn’t put preconditions on God, then I was able to start gathering those pieces of faith.”
He says he still is lacking pieces of faith and still deals with depression. “But I know God looks at me and says He’s glad to have me here. And I can turn to God and say I’m glad to be here. What more could I possible want?
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I AM DEEPLY MOVED BY THE TESTIMONY OF THIS YOUNG MAN. ALTHOUGH NOT A MORMON, IT FILLS ME WITH RESPECT FOR YOUR RELIGION. I BELIEVE IN PRAYER, IN GOD LISTENING AND ANSWERING.
Please don't say Mormon I don't feel comfortable with that name I feel comfortable with the name:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Members.
Glad u like it bro ✊✊✊
I used to be not religious until I got hurt and ran to God and he changed me so much 💖💖
😢. This video is an answer to my prayer. I’m going on my mission on Monday and I needed a boost. I’ve started to feel that dark place that many elders who I know, who have gone on missions talk about before going or when they are at the MTC. This is an answer to a prayer I said last night, asking the lord to help get me out of that dark place,and to help me understand other missionaries trials so I could learn from them. I’m Now out of that Dark place and feel so much that happiness I could scream to the heavens in joy knowing that this gospel is true!!!!! Thank u!!!!
We can learn so much from scriptures including from those that have felt amazing joy in our Savior like you did and then began to forget. There will be times where we have to lean on those incredible experiences because we won't always feel that love, Spirit, joy etc. I'm happy for you that you've felt this peace and comfort. It's always incredible. You'll be great!
And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen--
3 Nephi 2:1
I hope in the back of your mind when it seems dark You will remind yourself of what Joseph Smith went through right before God the father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. He said it was dark and over powering, but he fought his way through it, because he wanted to know of all the secs, which one he should join. Light will always over power the dark if you continue to persevere.
I am so happy for you. I think it's a good idea to record your feeling now, and all your answers to your prayers, so that you can look back on them whenever you are in doubt or in a dark place. It also tells God that you cherish the answers He gives you, and you are humble enough to receive what He wants to give.
Good luck on your mission man!
Faith Over Fear. Faith precedes the miracle 🙏🏻
Trust in the one who sees everything and knows you better than anyone. He will be walking by your side. Hold on to Him.
"I cannot put preconditions on God..." What a huge lesson that I still struggle to learn but it is so true. Thank you for the amazing story of your experience, strength, and hope!
You have probably just touched and strengthened and helped more souls than you would have completing your mission. Thank you for continuing your mission after you got home. I am so thankful that you didn't walk away.
Facts
Wow, thank you for sharing. Its easy to get caught up in incredible conversion stories, angelic visits or huge spiritual experiences. Sometimes we need a reminder that most of us get things gradually. But God loves a willing heart and will always manifest himself over time.
very very true
I wonder if God put this here today at this moment for me. I am not usually awake this early. I needed to remember my own mission and how I received my faith. Thank you to the person who was clearly following a prompting to post this.
This is the God of this world 🌍 not the creator the God of Israel
This is quite frankly one of the coolest videos of the channel now in my opinion
You're putting in the effort instead of "walking away". Congratulations on sticking to the path. Glad things are looking up & forward. 🙂
I’m grateful for the grace God gives to those of us that often ourselves outside of the cultural norms of the church, which can unfortunately cause them to feel like “others”. No matter where we find ourselves, God’s hand is outstretched still.
This is real, so beautiful.....welcome brother :)
I'm really grateful for the help I've been given by God, my family and others to recognize the small blessings in my own life. It really does help to remember that not everything needs to happen in a grandiose way, as it is through small and simple things that great things can come to pass.
agreed!
I love this video.
Heavenly Father will always be there for you no matter what . He will bring peace in your life and trials wherever you are . Whoever is reading this please know that you are NEVER far away from Christ’s eternal love . You are loved and you were destined to something Eternal . Keep going . Don’t give up . Keep moving forward and the lord will be with you he will never abandon you . I felt lost I one point but Heavenly Father guided my hand to being myself again . He knows what you are going through . He hears your prayers. This is my testimony in the name of Jesus the Christ amen !
I believe the "seem like nothing" moments that people can miss or overlook, are tender mercies from our Heavenly Father. Those tender mercies get me through a difficult life. I give thanks for each and EVERY one of them! They tell me Heavenly Father is aware of me, cares about me, and loves 💘 me!!
What an honest and humble testimony you have brother. This was such a powerful message to learn from. The teachings of God are good. Such a great reminder to keep walking step by step to the arms of a loving father in heaven❤️
I think we too often forget the 'loving' of heavenly father
Ever since Covid19 has instilled in the society, many things have changed in my faith. Now I do not attend church meeting, stopped praying, avoid contacts from members. Life seems like treating me the same regardless of a faith towards my own faith. Today I found this UA-cam video and tried to remember how it supposed to be feel like when you know that there is a God caring about you. I forgot about it long time ago.
We love you!
Many hugs and much love to you. It can be hard. But finding God is worth it
Courageous, heartfelt, humble, candid and inspiring testimony! Thanks for sharing the honest ups and downs of your journey. I’m sure it will help others who have struggled in similar ways and give hope to families who are praying and waiting for even the smallest of miracles to help rescue their loved ones from the true hopelessness and despair of confusion and self-doubt. 💜
I've never asked for help in my life for anything.
I've no running water.
No way to cook other than a microwave.
My home needs repairs.
A recent tornado put four holes in the roof.
I'm humbled before God.
My weak faith is all that I have left.
Satan is hammering me constantly with painful memories.
He whispers to just give up.
Yet I don't.
He's relentless.
Yet I cannot hear God.
I'm thankful for the life God has given me.
Wow!! You are amazing!! And humble!! I will pray for you 🙏❤❤❤
Remember don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it! I’m sure there’s plenty of willing individuals who can help you! Most of all our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost 🙌 Stay ever strong 💪🏿
Beautiful message! I’m so glad you’re here too!
God bless you all 🙄 whoever is reading this 🙏
What a beautiful message.
Such a BEAUTIFUL story and lovely young man!! Thanks for sharing 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for this powerful message, brother!💕
Thank you for sharing your story!
As I was listening to your story I thought of a few things, 1) Alma the Younger and how he didn’t know. I have no doubt Alma Sr. Prayed for that Angel. 2) I want to share with you and anyone listening or having the same feelings: I recall President Hinckley shared a similar experience and when he phoned home to tell his father he wanted to come home, his father told him to lose himself in the work. As he he worked hard to do that, his faith (confidence) grew. 3). Missionary work can be done in so many different aspects. Though it is encouraged to gain a different kind of experience, you don’t have to go away for two years to be a good missionary for the Lord. There are plenty of local missionary opportunities which can benefit from your knowledge and testimony. 4) When I was on my mission, I learned that bearing one’s testimony frequently (much like this video) your testimony will flourish, which will build confidence (faith). Keep working on and don’t give up. Some times it seems like God is silent, but think of it like this. God may be testing you, testing your patience, testing you truest desires or like you said, he may be sending little tender mercies, but without focus on it, we might be missing it all together. We must always remember that we are a child of Heavenly parents and like here on earth our parents don’t always give us what we want immediately or in a way we like, so too with our Heavenly parents, but they still love us and we love them. God bless!
You’re amazing!!! We love you!
That's wonderful 👏
He may have not served a mission for the full time, but he taught us all something, that a missionary would teach
Excellent. You are loved brother.
This is beautiful I’m working on my Faith. I recently lost my job over not wanting the vaccine. I was a social worker for over 13 years. I’m currently battling lupus and on a ton of medications. I just want to know the long term side effects are from this vaccine. With lupus I’m already fatigued. Another symptom is unexplained fevers, painful joints! It literally hurts to move. Chest pain upon deep breathing I’m a hot mess. Even though I struggle with
This disease I have still managed to work for over 13 years at the same job 40 hours a week. I’m a single mother with two children! My youngest is autistic. Now! I’m losing my medical insurance. I don’t know how I’m going to pay my bills, I’ve spent all my savings durning the shut down. I want to give up. But I have faith! Please pray for my family. Thank you for giving me a stronger faith!
Prayer just said for you sister!🤍🕊
I hope things clear up for you and mellow out.
Maybe your area has Medicare or Medicaid you could sign up for.
I’ve been struggling feeling “stuck in the middle” of what I need to do & ive been struggling for a little while now, and this ‘direct light’ pointed me and showed me, “see, you’re not alone in this. There’s a light, you know what it is, now go get it! Doctrine and Covenants 89:20; “And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.“ “
Thank you, brother!
I’m so glad I found this video here late at night just pondering on my thoughts… and this video really spoke to me and I can relate so much to this, I too went home after 6 months on my mission dealing with such similar issues.. I still struggle to this day but Im so grateful for prayer and the blessings God sends me right when I need them..
I am so excited to see you, dear friend. Your testimony is growing... The Lord is aware of you. With great love, your MP.
I found the answer that I looking for 10years from your testimony, thank you!
I love this, so much. Thank you for sharing your journey and strength. I am so glad you're here.❤
Now that is a great testimony. It even brought tears to my eyes of gratitude for what I have even what I have prayed for. This missionaries and investigators would find that wonderful piece and love in our savior provides for each of us if we seek. That is the secret, seek and you will find. What a great promise! Thank you brother and all of those who helped put this together. God bless you all!
I'm so happy for this young man. My own journey has been very different. My doubts came at 13, and i quickly got over them, but my addictions also came, and because i understood and embraced the truth, the guilt and shame of pornography and masturbation were huge. I NEVER denied that what i was doing was wrong, but i did it anyway because i was curious, then i was enjoying it, and then i was addicted.
I had repented enough to be worthy to become an elder at 18, but because of pride and a quarrel with my parents, i didn't get ordained. And after that i returned to my sins and failed to get over them until it was too late to go on a mission.
Pornography is horrible. I will never advocate that it be universally banned before the 2nd coming is fully realized. But i hate porn, and want to keep children, teens, and adults safe from involuntary exposure. Public porn in schools is like putting lots of THC into the ventilation at school. It's oppressive. Public porn in store advertising is like running up to your male customers and shooting them up with heroin, it's OPPRESSIVE and INVASIVE. Young men need holy places to stand.
Love how the small and simple act of his best friends dad changed his entire life. You never know what small and simple thing might change your or someone else's life for eternity.
Love this channel dearly.
I lost my son last year and I watched a lot of these videos to get through it, and had spiritual experiences of my own as well. I wouldn’t mind sharing them here.
Thank you for sharing your testimony
Thank you for sharing your story. ❤️
Go!😊 missionaries... i will go i will serve woah!🥰
God is good really answers prayer
Good fantastic
Thank you my brother and friend
Thanks
I personally know this young man and he’s seriously such a light in the world. I didn’t know about these experiences though even though I’ve had similar experiences. I’m happy to have learned from him and worked alongside him
Algo parecido com isso aconteceu comigo enquanto eu estava em minha missão. Comecei a ter dúvidas sobre a veracidade de tudo aquilo que eu estava ensinando e eu sabia que o meu testemunho só seria poderoso se fosse sincero. Então escolhi acreditar e por a fé em prova. Sou grata pelo Pai Celestial nos permitir saber das verdades do evangelho por nós mesmos.
I couldn’t agree more with other comments that have been shared! Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are changing many lives and doing such a great work!
Love that !!
I appreciate your testimony. You seem like a very sophisticated and intellectual person who likes to think things through. Im sure your faith will mean that much more to you because you had to try that much harder.
This is an amazing video. I admire and applaud this brother of ours. I pray and hope he will continue to find what he is seeking to find as a part of himself. His story is very moving.
I'm glad he tried to serve and do his best!
Deus abençoe!!!
that's beautiful. really beautiful.
You are doing great. Thank you for sharing your truth and faith. If you need a friend I'm here. I know The Gospel is true and I struggle with my mental health and knowing God is there is my biggest help.. Keep going. See you in Heaven one-day 💗
Thanks for continuing forward and not giving up! Your testimony really touched me.
Absolutely wonderful
Praise the lord
This is almost verbatum what I have been experiencing thank you for sharing
Very clear and HELPFUL!
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your testimony ❤ This really struck me as something I could relate with personally and something I want to also make sure I always provide for my children. A place where they are able to feel glad that they are here, because I am so glad that they are here, in our family, on this earth:) ❤ I love when you share that you honestly still feel like you will have struggles with depression and that you don't have all the pieces but it is ok because you have the pieces that you have❤ I absolutely love this!!!
Thank you for your comment!
What a beautiful reminder that each of us have an individual journey with God that might be outside of cultural norms. Never judge others, just love as our Savior does.
Thank you for your testimony :) ❤️ I hope it helps others who have felt the same things.
I ❤ this.
To continue with the gospel doesn't require that you believe, only a particle of a desire to believe. This man moved forward with only the desire to believe, and found the love of Christ there. He gained belief from searching the light of the gospel.
I'm so proud of him for sharing his thoughts. I think many don't have strong testimonies and struggle to share that. I'm glad he shows us how we can work through this step by step.
I didn't know how much I needed to hear these words. What a great video.
This was one of the most remarkable messages beheld in my life, and I am in awe of the craftsmanship, detail, and commanding beauty of this timeless inspirational message.
I know this kid. Great guy.
Thanks Jesus🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Beautiful story my friend. Greetings from Sweden to all of you, Gods children.
Always reminds me of the quote “May we ever choose the harder right than the easier wrong.” It’s easy for us to lay back and do nothing. But I’m also reminded that “the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Faith + action =miracles. I know that small acts of faith each day will change you. Grateful for this video and being an answer to my prayer. I know God lives and I will never doubt him again.
I really like these testimonials of people who've had hardships and found what they were looking for It gives me hope
BEAUTIFUL AND TRUE! Thank you for being who you are..Authentic and Perfect!💖💞🎆👑
I cannot fully express how moved I was while watching this video. I know that this man will affect many more lives by sharing such a raw testimony via this video than perhaps during a two year mission! Without a doubt. You have been blessed with the power to bear strong testimony and may you always retain such a divine gift!
The thoughts that came to me threw listening to him. Is that maybe the mission he was meant to go on was the mission of his own testimony. The mission of helping to teach himself the truth and knowledge of God. Sometimes in life the Mission you think you’re going on may not necessarily be the mission that you actually go on. Every soul is great in the eyes of God even your own.
So grateful for this message! I’m glad you’re here too!! ❤️
He seems like a really good kid, and the way he tells his story has made me cry in public at the laundromat hehe God Bless 👍
Thank you o GOD I realized I felt loss when I focus my sight in this kind of government I m living with but by your GRACE I was able to focus myself on things that we cannot see which is YOUR KINGDOM 😇😇😇 I PRAISED YOU FATHER IN JESUS NAME FOREVER🙏🙏🙏
Recently I have been struggling with a lot of doubt about myself as well as what I believe in, and this video just put into words exactly what I needed to hear, almost like it was literally made after hearing my thoughts. I am a guy who tends to be impatient and expect big "signs" to show me the way, instead of little things consistently like breadcrumbs on a trial. What a wakeup call...thank you for this video!!!
Little pieces of faith reveal God's love to us and we could easily ignore them.
How are these amazing stories found so that they can be shared in this amazing way?
This is amazing that you so much.
Thank you so much for this it's most helpful, not a member of your Church yet looking into it, wow I'm greatly impressed by this ,😥 meeting with some of your missionaries they are a great help
i really needed to hear this today
What an incredible story of faith!
This is such a helpful video for me. I've watched it twice now; I wish this had more views. I'm sure there's a lot of people within and without the church that have similar struggles with their faith, that would be helped by hearing this young man's message.
Thanks for your message Elder Christensen, it’s really nice hearing your voice again after all this time…
Thank you for being the mouthpiece for God! This is exactly what I needed today! Bless you for sharing!
And I can turn to God and say I'm so glad to be here 💞🙏😭😭😭
Thank you for sharing.!!!!!
Thanks for sharing your experience, many struggle with depression, where it's hard to feel spiritual things. I'm glad you are here too :)
God bless you Dear, thank you for sharing your beautiful journey with us ❤️
One of the bravest people ever.
THX for the LOVE and the honesty 🫂🥲🤍
Amazingly simple yet very powerful. God is love.
Thank you
So beautiful 🙏
Dear God thank you 😭😭🙏💞
Wow. That hit me hard.
God bless you always
Oh God bless him... ❤
Learning a lot through these videos
Thank you very much ❤
Beautiful testimony