These past 3-1/2 months have been difficult. It started with a frightening moment when I truly questioned my mortality. In that moment, I found myself pleading with my Heavenly Father, asking Him not to let this be the end.
I am so grateful for the power of the Priesthood. I am grateful for Priesthood blessings that bring comfort, peace, strength, and healing. I have witnessed mercies and miracles, and I know that the power of God is real. I am especially grateful for worthy Priesthood holders who righteously honor the Priesthood they hold and are willing to answer when someone is in need.
I am also deeply grateful for my patriarchal blessing. Our patriarchal blessings can serve as a personal compass, helping guide us as we navigate the journey of this life. During difficult moments with my health, mine has brought me tremendous comfort and reassurance, particularly as I have reflected on the promises and counsel it contains concerning my health and longevity. It has also caused me to pause and reflect: Am I following the direction my Heavenly Father has given me? Or have I, at times, wandered away from the path He is trying to lead me along?
We have a loving Heavenly Father who knows each of us personally and individually. He knows us in ways no one else can. He knows our hearts, our struggles, our fears, and our deepest desires. He also sees within us strength and capabilities that we may not yet recognize in ourselves. He sees the whole picture when all we can see is the difficult moment directly in front of us. I know that He is always there. Even when we feel weary. Even when we are discouraged. Even when we wonder how much longer we can endure. He has not abandoned us. He has not forgotten us. His love is constant, unwavering, and personal.
I am so grateful for personal revelation. I know that prayers are answered. Sometimes those answers do not come in the timing we would choose, or in the way we had hoped. But I have learned that Heavenly Father knows me perfectly, including how stubborn and thick-headed I can sometimes be! Perhaps, at times, He needs to stop me in my tracks so that I will finally pause and face the things I need to face. Through all of this, however, He has lovingly reminded me of one powerful truth: I am not walking this journey alone. He has reminded me to trust Him. But in order to recognize His voice, we must cultivate and nurture our relationship with Him. We must make time for Him. We must seek Him. We must turn to Him—not only when life becomes frightening or difficult, but in our everyday moments as well.
These past 3-1/2 months have not been easy. There have been moments of fear, exhaustion, frustration, and uncertainty. But they have also been filled with tender mercies, Priesthood power, answered prayers, personal revelation, and reminders that my Heavenly Father knows me and loves me.
I testify with all my heart that He knows each one of us. He is aware of our struggles. He hears every prayer, even the prayers that are spoken through tears or whispered when we don't have the strength to say much at all.
We are never alone. He is there. He loves us. And if we will trust Him, turn to Him, and allow Him to guide us, He will strengthen us through the very experiences that may sometimes feel as though they are too difficult to bear.
Of this, I testify, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
