The First Vision

When thinking of the first vision we always recognize it as of importance to the church as a whole, but what about as individually? When Joseph Smith was 14 he had many questions about which church was true these questions led to intense pondering and study. One day when reading in James 1:5 he read; "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." He then set aside a time and a place to pray vocally to God. As he began to pray he was overcome with a darkness and was unable to speak, he exerted all his powers to call upon God to deliver him from darkness. As he was about to give up a pillar of light shone from above and two personages cam down. One calling him by name and pointed to the other saying; "This is my Beloved Son Hear Him!" Jesus Christ then proceeded to tell Joseph Smith that none of the church's were true.

While most of us will not see God the Father and His Son in person until we pass on to the next life, we do not have to in order to know they are real. I can not recall an exact moment I came to know for myself that they are real and love me, but I do know that not only do they love me, but they personally know me. Just as Heavenly Father called Joseph Smith by name, He also calls me by name as I receive answers to my prayers. But we can't just pray and expect to receive everything at once, we must show effort on our part just as Joseph Smith did by pondering and studying the scriptures as well as taking tie out of his day to show the Lord he cared about speaking to Him. Without Joseph's example of exercising faith in God that He would answer his prayer, I do not think I would know for myself that this Gospel is true, but I do know it is true! I am so thankful for Joseph Smith and his questions that led to The First Vision and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The first vision is important to me because it allowed me the freedom to ask my questions, receive answers and know that God knows who I am and is always listening and also always provides a way out of temptation and darkness.

I know this gospel is true, I know Joseph Smith saw the God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I know that God always provides a safe way out of temptation and that He knows each of us by name and that He is always listening to our prayers and answers us in His timetable. I love this gospel and am so grateful for the first vision and my testimony of it.

Love,
Kenzie