He Spoke I Went

As I reflect on the various seasons of my life and the quiet, sacred ways the Lord has carried me, my heart is filled with profound gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I give thanks for His birth, His perfect life, His teachings, His perfect love, His infinite Atonement, and His example of pure charity. He is the Light of the World, and He has been the light in my world—guiding me, comforting me, and lifting me through every season. His Atonement has shaped my heart and sustained me in moments when I could not stand on my own. He has been my steady foundation—the One constant in every season of change.

There have been times when the burdens I carried felt overwhelming. Yet the Savior has kept His promise found in Matthew 11:28: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” I have felt that rest. I have felt His strength when my own strength was depleted. The prophet Isaiah testified, “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength” (Isaiah 40:29). And the words of the prophet Alma solidify that truth for me when he testified: “He will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people… that he may know… how to succor his people” (Alma 7:11–12). I have felt that succor in deeply personal ways.

I am grateful for the guidance Heavenly Father gives me—quiet impressions, gentle warnings, and moments of clarity. Proverbs teaches, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6). Again and again, He has directed mine. And I cherish the Savior’s own words recorded in the Book of Mormon after His Resurrection: “Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God… I am the light and the life of the world” (3 Nephi 9:15). Those words remind me that He is not only aware of the world—He is aware of me.

I testify with all my heart that Jesus Christ lives. Because He conquered death, I know that forgiveness, hope, and eternal life are possible. As I strive to repent daily and follow His example of love, I feel His grace shaping me little by little. The prophet Ether teaches us this pattern of transformation: “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness… and make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27). I have seen that promise fulfilled in my own life. My weaknesses have become invitations to come closer to Him.

Each week, as I partake of the sacrament and remember His words, “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19), I feel renewed. The covenant to take His name upon me centers me and reminds me how much I depend on Him. I am grateful that through His grace I can begin again every single week.

I am also grateful for living prophets and apostles who guide the Church today. Their teachings bless my life, especially when I choose not only to hearer of their words but to act. I am particularly thankful for the revelation that made it possible for me to serve during this season of my life. The Lord’s words in Doctrine & Covenants 4:3 have become very personal: “Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work.” I know the Lord saw my desire to serve but a host of others in similar circumstances and opened the way in His perfect timing.

A blessing that has brought me closer to the Savior has been our mission leaders’ invitation to set aside 30 minutes each Saturday at 8:30 p.m.—a sacred time away from the world to pray, ponder, repent, and ask the Lord the questions of my heart. This weekly appointment with heaven has become a source of peace, revelation, and deepened connection with the Savior.

Through all of this, my testimony has grown in quiet and personal ways. I know that Heavenly Father knows me. I know Jesus Christ is my Redeemer, my Advocate, my Friend, and the One who never gives up on me. I know His grace is sufficient. And I know that because of Him, I can look forward with hope to the blessings of eternal life.

This is my witness—a witness shaped by experiences, answered prayers, tender mercies, and countless moments when Christ met me exactly where I was and lifted me higher.

In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.