Come Unto Him

If you were asked to share a way in which you have come to know Christ, what would it be?

(Take a minute and really consider your answer.  I’ll wait…)

An example that comes to my mind is my struggle with performing.  I love music.  I have loved it ever since I was a little girl.  I love to write songs.  I love to sing.  I love to play the piano…just not in front of anyone.  But it would have been impossible to publish an album and then politely ask to be excused from any and all performances!  “Sorry, I would love to sing at that event, but I’m afraid I would pass out.”

I was petrified of performing!  Instead of getting “butterflies” it felt like I got bats.  I would worry weeks, even months, before a performance.  And on the day of a performance, I could barely eat – and I like to eat! 

Requests for performances came my way and I had no choice but to face my fear – but I didn’t have to face it alone.  I turned to the Savior.  I knew there was no other way to get through it.  I prayed and pleaded for Him to carry me through and give me strength.  I prayed that the listeners would not hear my flaws, but that they would hear and feel the Spirit.  And every time, my prayers were answered. 

I remember one particular performance that would be broadcast on television.  If I goofed, it would be in front of all those viewers!  I could just see myself bursting into tears in living rooms across the state!   My need for the Savior’s help drove me to my knees.  Once again, I pled for His help.  I felt a calm reassurance that my performance would go well and I did not need to worry. 

The performance did go well and my prayers, as they had been so many times before, were answered.  Heavenly Father and Jesus cared about my concerns.  They listened, understood and they helped me succeed.  Time and trust taught me to embrace and enjoy the opportunity of performing.

Now, back to the original question.  What has brought you closer to the Savior? 

I would guess it probably wasn’t a book, a song or a Sunday School talk.  I bet it was something you experienced that was hard — a difficult trial that caused you to turn to the Savior for help.  Something that drove you to your knees. 

In those moments we come to really know and trust the Savior.  We feel His love and realize His promises are sure.  Though we may not initially desire to go through them, those moments refine us, increase our faith and draw us closer to Him.  And when endured well, they become moments we would never give up because we would never want to surrender what we learned and who we became.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  (John 14:27)