My testimony

If I have learned anything after 22 years of my earthly experience it is the fact that God never gives up on us, even when we may give up on him. Growing up I knew that I never wanted to go on a mission. For most of my youth I felt as the “lost sheep” but I didn’t necessarily want to be found. After a lot of life reflecting and soul searching I desperately wanted God to find me. I was broken and I knew that He was the only one who could make me whole. I wanted my own testimony of a personal Savior I could call my own. So I started to pray, read the Book of Mormon and record any thoughts I had. The circumstances in my life might not have changed but my heart did. 

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

After this experience I felt so strongly that God needed me to serve a mission. Still hesitant but faithful, I went. And I got to spend 19 months in the most amazing country meeting people who have forever impacted my heart. I believe that because I was doing the Lord's work and actively being His hands, I also felt the love He feels for every person I came across. My mission was hard, and tiring, and there were times where I felt so defeated and discouraged but the Lord was always there to pick me up, to redirect me, and to trust me even when I didn’t trust myself.

The testimony I had when I started my mission was based on the forgiveness that comes from Jesus Christ Atoning Sacrifice. The Testimony I grew on my mission is of the Infinite love that God and our Savior have for us and their unchanging ways. Of The prophet Joseph Smith who restored the Lord's church. I came to understand that The Atonement of Jesus Christ is not only for repenting of shortcomings but it is strength in difficult times, healing when broken, comfort when lonely, anything and everything the Human heart needs is provided through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

I know that through the words of the Book of Mormon and an honest seeking heart that the spirit of God can and will confirm its truthfulness to anyone. I saw Jesus Christ change hearts and lives. I’ve witnessed miracles. I have felt my own heart change. Jesus Christ is my best friend. The one I can always count on. I have such a strong testimony of the Priesthood power that was restored through Joseph Smith. And for Temples that make it possible for eternal families. I can never express how grateful I am to know that my family and I will never be separated permanently.

I know that this Gospel is true and that Jesus Christ provided us the Book of Mormon and modern day prophets to lead us home to him. I know that wherever life leads me, God's plan is the plan that will bring me the most joy. His timing may be different than mine but he is always on time.  I love this gospel, I know that God is a man of His words and I know that all of His promises will be fulfilled. I love my mission, I am thankful for it every single day and I am forever changed by the people I met, who decided to choose a better life, and chose a life of following Jesus Christ. I continue to learn and grow spiritually even know because of the experiences and lessons I learned on my mission. I am forever and ever grateful for my Loving Heavenly Father for giving me those experiences.

Madison Fox