Elder Robert D. Hales
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Church leaders are often asked how one receives a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
"Gaining a testimony and becoming converted begins with study and prayer, then living the gospel with patience and persistence, and inviting and waiting upon the Spirit."
The life of Joseph Smith and the pattern of the restoration of the gospel are excellent examples of that process.
The steps that lead to testimony are desiring to know the truth, pondering in your hearts, and obediently following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Caught in a "tumult of religious opinions," Joseph Smith turned to the Bible. Following the direction in James, he knelt in prayer. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and the light of the gospel began to shine forth.
"Like Joseph, many of us find ourselves seeking the light of truth. Just as the world was prepared for the restoration, each of us is prepared to receive the light of the gospel in our lives. Sometimes that preparation comes through a change in our circumstances — through meeting a new friend, moving to a new community, a change in employment, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, illness, misfortunes, even tragedy."
It is during times of transition that people seek answers to the important questions of life: Who are we, where did we come from, why are we here, and where are we going when we die?
"Joseph was not born with this knowledge, and neither were we. We must find it."
