Today’s Reading: Alma 19:15-20:8
17 Thus, having been converted to the Lord, and never having made it known, therefore, when she saw that all the servants of Lamoni had fallen to the earth, and also her mistress, the queen, and the king, and Ammon lay prostrate upon the earth, she knew that it was the power of God; and supposing that this opportunity, by making known unto the people what had happened among them, that by beholding this scene it would cause them to believe in the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people.
Our testimonies can only be sustained through our individual experiences with the Savior and the confirming witness of the Spirit, yet these conversions, initially, begin with the testimonies of others. That is precisely why Christ spoke of letting our “light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Our testimonies, our path to the Savior, have the potential to ignite curiosity, hope, or the desire for others to know God. Elder Joseph B. Worthlin said, “Expressions of solemn testimony have long been important to the children of God upon the earth. Individual testimonies have strengthened this Church from its earliest days.” My favorite Book of Mormon heroine, Abish, exemplifies the power and far-reaching effects of one personal testimony.
Abish was the Lamanite Queen’s servant and, “on account of a remarkable vision of her father”, was for “many years converted unto the Lord… and never made it known”.[1] Until Ammon, a Nephite missionary, arrived in King Lamoni’s kingdom, Abish and her father were presumably the only believers among the Lamanites. Ammon’s powerful teachings and the strong presence of the Spirit overcame King Lamoni, leaving the king unconscious. [2] After three days of unconsciousness, King Lamoni briefly awoke and delivered a powerful witness of God:
“Blessed be the name of God… behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name…” [3]
King Lamoni was overcome “with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit”. [4] Ammon was also overcome by the Spirit, as were the servants of the king, leaving all, except Abish, incapacitated.
Her moment had arrived. Would fear and uncertainly paralyze her? She was, after all, just one believer, a lowly servant. Surely, she could have panicked, retreated, and hid, justifying that she was too inferior or insignificant to be of use. She could have fixated on how dangerous outing herself as a believer would be. Yet she was courageous and resolute. Elder David A. Bednar has spoken of the source of peace that may accompany us amid challenges:
“Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace… Truly, one of the great blessings of devoted discipleship is ‘the peace of God, which passeth all understanding’ (Philippians 4:7).”
In this particular instance, Abish didn’t stand at a pulpit and deliver an eloquent sermon. Instead, with the guidance and reassurance from the Spirit, she acted. The scriptures say she “knew” it was “the power of God” at work, and that was all the encouragement she needed. She took a leap of faith, stepping into the unknown, hopeful that “by making it known unto the people what had happened among them, that…it would cause them to believe in the power of God…” [5]
Despite living in a non-believing Lamanite society, a society that was known to be unforgiving and hostile towards believers, she acted. Notwithstanding the unknown, she acted courageously by running “forth from house to house, making it known unto the people”. By acting and sharing God’s infinite goodness, she was sharing her testimony. Speaking of testimony, Elder Joseph B. Worthlin said:
“Making a determined and confident public statement of your belief is such a step into the unknown. It has a powerful effect in strengthening your own convictions. Bearing testimony drives your faith deeper into your soul, and you believe more fervently than before. To those who faithfully bear testimony, the Lord said, “Ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you.”
Abish, the simple Lamanite servant gathered a throng of people who would eventually hear the gospel and testimonies of King Lamoni, the queen, and other servants. At the core of this pivotal turning point in the Book of Mormon is an ordinary woman who loved and trusted God in an extraordinary way. Her courage and testimony would be felt for generations:
“And it came to pass that there were many that did believe in their words; and as many as did believe were baptized; and they became a righteous people, and they did establish a church among them” [6]
We, like Abish, are servants in our Father’s kingdom and our individual testimonies make a difference. Our contributions, our experiences, and our talents make a difference. Of this, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said:
“Perhaps it is true that we are weak. Perhaps we are not wise or mighty. But when God works through us, no one and nothing can stand against us (Romans 8:31). This is why you are needed. You have your own special contribution to make, and God can magnify that contribution in a mighty way.”
Come and share your unique contribution. Share your testimony in word and deed. When fading into the background or doing and saying nothing allures you, remember Abish’s fearless resolution to “stand as a witness of God”. You are needed.
Vanessa has been married to Prince Charming since 2007 and is Mommy to three bouncy boys. She spends her days enforcing nap time, avoiding laundry, and setting off the fire alarm.
I needed this and I LOVED it. Thank you Vanessa!!!