Book of Mormon Day 4: Receiving Personal Testimony

Moroni 10: 3-5

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

I was raised in the Church. It is all I have ever known, and all my family on both sides for generations have ever known. I remember in high school, President Gordon B. Hinckley challenged the members of the church to read the Book of Mormon cover to cover individually. By that time, I had done so only once with my family. But, I took it to heart and did so. He also challenged members to comply with Moroni’s challenge (see scripture above). I was a little hesitant to do so.

I had a testimony. I believed the tenants of the LDS Church. I was an active Mormon. What need did I have to ask God if the Book of Mormon was true if I already knew it was true. I asked my parents that question. They told me to do it because the Prophet asked us to. So, I complied. While praying, I expected to be interrupted by the Spirit and have some sort of grand heavenly experience and burning of the bosom, some sort of big conversion experience. But, the prayer ended. I stayed kneeling, partially because I was disappointed that didn’t happen, but also partially because of Moroni and President Hinckley’s instructions to ponder. So, I waited. Then, a soft, loving, parental voice whispered to my soul, “Thank you for doing as I asked. But, you already know it is true. However, you did what a good disciple should, so thank you.”

I couldn’t believe it! Heavenly Father had spoken directly to me! And all because I had done as he commanded! Through every little question, or hesitancy, or trial of faith I have ever had, that small conversation with my Father in Heaven has been the foundation of my faith. He had talked to me gently, just reaffirming the faith and testimony I already had. I didn’t need a big conversion story.

Even Boyd K Packer had the same experience as I:

When I first read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover, I read the promise that if I ‘would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if [the things I had read were] true; and if [I would] ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he [would] manifest the truth of it unto [me], by the power of the Holy Ghost’ (Moroni 10:4). I tried to follow those instructions as I understood them.
If I expected a glorious manifestation to come at once as an overpowering experience, it did not happen. Nevertheless, it felt good, and I began to believe. …
I learned that anyone, anywhere, could read in the Book of Mormon and receive inspiration. …
My experience has been that a testimony does not burst upon us suddenly. Rather, it grows. …
Do not be disappointed if you have read and reread and yet have not received a powerful witness. You may be somewhat like the disciples spoken of in the Book of Mormon who were filled with the power of God in great glory ‘and they knew it not’ (3 Nephi 9:20).

I testify to you that the Book of Mormon truly is another Testament of Christ. It contains His doctrine and His teachings in it. I will never lose my faith in it.

Tayler Morrell

I am an English and history teacher turned stay-at-home mom to Rhys, the rambunctious toddler. I was blessed to marry my college best friend. I am obsessed with all things medieval, Welsh, historical, and fantasy. I love to read, write, cook, run, and learn. I have recently come to love and appreciate living in the center of Utah and close to both sides of our family.