The Elders came over tonight to visit with our family and spoke of the restoration. It wasn’t until then, listening to the Elder share the story of the great apostasy and Joseph’s seeking for truth, that I realize how distraught Joseph Smith must have really felt over uncertainty in religion in his life. During the great apostasy, people were separated from God. Truth in its fullness could not be found. Teachings were confusing and Joseph Smith must have felt an agonizing uneasiness over it all. I know times in my life where I felt I have been separated from God in a sense and it is a terrible, anxious feeling of uneasiness. This must have been Joseph’s life at the time as the entire world struggled in spiritual darkness. It’s no wonder the passage of scripture found in James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him,” hit Joseph with such power and force that he felt to express, “…if any person needed wisdom from God, I did…”
I am so grateful for the sacrifices and sufferings other people have endured to bring the world the truth and knowledge found within the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Truly, this is His work; a work of pure love.
Forever grateful!
