My Testimony of Tender Mercies and the Atonement

"But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." 

1 Nephi 1:20

Last night during family scripture study we studied Ether 3.  In this chapter, the Brother of Jared sees the finger of the Lord.  In Ether 3:26 it says: "For he had said unto him in times before, that if he would believe in him that he could show unto him all things . . ."  We had a discussion about how the Lord's hand is in our lives and that, if we believe He is there, then we can see His hand in our lives.  It reminded me of a talk I studied a bit when I was a part of Get Connected at BYU-Idaho, but not much since.  The talk is called "Tender Mercies of the Lord".  I decided to go back and listen to it last night before I went to bed.  As I listened I received so many answers to prayers; the talk itself was a tender mercy for me last night.

The section of Elder Bednar's talk that stood out to me the most was the section titled Who Are They Whom the Lord Has Chosen to Receive His Tender Mercies?  In particular the bit where Elder Bednar says: "We may falsely think that such blessings and gifts are reserved for other people who appear to be more righteous or who serve in visible Church callings.  I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us.  To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us.  Rather, you and I ultiamtely determine if we are chosen."  

As I read this section I had a section of my Patriarchal Blessing come to mind that said, "Sarah, you are one of our Father in Heaven’s choice daughters and have been given many talents and abilities."  I suddenly realized that I wasn't on a special list of my Heavenly Father's because He had chosen me.  I am a choice daughter of God because I chose to be a choice daughter of God!  I have the gift of agency, as do all the people in the world, and God would not force anything upon me.  In my heart, I believe before I ever came to earth, I chose God.  I chose to follow Him wherever He would lead me.  I chose to go through the things that He would have me go through, no matter how difficult.  I chose to trust Him with all of my heart, might, mind, and strength.  That realization instilled a desire to be even better!  One of my favorite quotes of all time is, "Live in such a way that those who know you but don't know God will come to know God because they know you."  This is what I want to be; I want to be the person that is so loving, caring, and inviting that people are drawn closer to God because they see Him through me.

As I studied this talk again this morning I thought of a talk from this past General Conference.  In all honesty, I had not heard it yet but I had the thought to go listen to it.  It is by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf entitled "Come, Join with Us".  He lists possible reasons why people would want to join a church that has so much involvement:

1. It is the Savior's Church
1. "Those who join this Church love the Savior Jesus Christ and they wish to follow Him. They rejoice in the knowledge that God speaks to mankind again.  When they receive sacred priesthood ordinances and make covenants with God, they can feel His power in their lives.  When they enter the holy temple, they sense they are in His presence.  When theyread the holy scriptures and live the teachings of His prophets, they grow closer to the Savior they love so much."

1. It is a church that "provides opportunities for doing good"
1. "Believing in God is commendable, but most people want to do more than listen to inspirational sermons or dream of their mansions above.  They want to put their faith into practice.  They want to roll up their sleeves and become engaged in this great cause.  
   And that is what happens when they join with us—they have many opportunities to transform their talents, compassion, and time into good works."
   
   
2. The third reason is because "walking the path of discipleship leads to precious blessings"
1. "Our daily walk with Jesus Christ leads to peace and purpose in this life and profound joy and eternal salvation in the world to come."

Then, he mentions something that I have wondered my whole life, "One might ask, "If the gospel is so wonderful, why would anyone leave it?"  I have pondered this question many times in my life, but wasn't ever able to accept the answers I received.  That is, until now.  These are the two reasons that President Uchtdorf gives:

1. Unanswered Questions
1. "Some struggle with unanswered questions about things that have been done or said in the past.  Sometimes questions arise because we simply don’t have all the information and we just need a bit more patience.  Sometimes there is a difference of opinion as to what the “facts” really mean."

1. The Mistakes of Imperfect People
1. "I suppose the Church would be perfect only if it were run by perfect beings.  God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure.  But He works through us—His imperfect children—and imperfect people make mistakes."

Then, President Uchtdorf gave an invitation to everybody to "Come, join with us" because: 

1. There is Room for You
1. "Come and add your talents, gifts, and energies to ours. We will all become better as a result."
2. "...doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.  We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."
3. "Brothers and sisters, dear friends, we need your unique talents and perspectives.  The diversity of persons and peoples all around the globe is a strength of this Church."
4. "The Church is designed to nourish the imperfect, the struggling, and the exhausted.  It is filled with people who desire with all their heart to keep the commandments, even if they haven’t mastered them yet."
5. "But we earnestly desire to overcome our faults and the tendency to sin. With our heart and soul we yearn to become better with the help of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  
   If these are your desires, then regardless of your circumstances, your personal history, or the strength of your testimony, there is room for you in this Church. Come, join with us!"

I am so grateful for this church and the truth that I have because of it.  I'm grateful for the chance I have to invite others to come unto God through my actions.  I know that God loves all of His children, no matter what choice we have made in the past.  He loves you and there is nothing you can do to change that!  He loves you with all of His might and wants you to return home to be with Him.  I'm grateful to be part of a church that recognizes that we aren't perfect human beings, but we are trying.  I'm grateful for the opportunities that I have to do good and to help others.  I know that God's hand is in my life daily and I'm so grateful for that knowledge!

God is amazing and I know that He lives! I know that He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to suffer the sins of the world.  I know that Christ went knowingly and willingly.  He suffered for me so that I could return home again.  I love Him with all of my heart and I'm not sure how in the world I will ever be able to thank Him, but I'm living my best so that one day I will be able to thank Him face-to-face.  God lives, He loves you, He is with you, remember Him always. God speed!