Today’s Reading: Alma 13: 1-13
3. And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such.
Note: While the scripture passage we are studying today is about priesthood ordination, there is much application to women as well.
The following questions might sound odd but when you can answer them, you will never ever be the same: Do you know who you were? Do you know what you did in the premortal life to warrant being born into a situation where you would be among the minority to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ? Do you have any idea what your role was during the war in heaven? Do you know what covenants or promises you made before your were born?
These questions and more have plagued my mind for some time. I have wondered why I was born to particularly valiant parents. Why did my testimony burn bright from birth? Why do I have an intense desire to testify? What was the war in heaven like and what was my role in it? Is there a reason these children were born into my home and are there things I promised that I would do for them?
I have prayed, pondered, fasted, attended the temple and searched the scriptures for such answers. Through personal revelation, some of my questions have been answered. The answers to my questions have allowed me to reach further, testify more boldly, stand more firmly, seek for more virtue, adore my Savior more fervently, serve more diligently and reach for higher understanding. I have a glimpse into not who I am but who I was. Knowing who I was makes all the difference in who I am becoming.
Your premortal life has an identity as well. This identity is crucial for your future. The obstacle to work through is the veil. How do you come to know something that you can’t see or remember? The only way to know anything about a life that is long forgotten is through personal revelation which is a gift from Heavenly Father and it comes individually, over time.
Who You WERE
I do know a few things about your premortal identity. I know that you stood by your Savior. I know that you chose agency over laziness. I know that you lived in the presence of the Most High God. I know that you are called to do special things during this mortal experience. I know that Heavenly Father loved you then and He loves you now.
He, who knew you before you were formed in the belly, (i) knows the answers to any question you might have about your divine identity and more. He trusts you with sacred duties and wants you to succeed. He is in the details of our lives. (ii) You are precious to Him and you are truly His work and His glory. (iii)
Jeni Brockbank and her husband Bart are parents to 6 amazing children. She finds great joy in being a wife and mother and feels that both callings are sacred privileges. Jeni is a continual student of the scriptures and loves to share her testimony with anyone who will listen. She teaches choir, is crafty and is grateful on a daily basis to live a few blocks from the Brigham City, UT temple.