[Script Info]
Title: 
[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,0:00:07.67,0:00:09.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(MUSIC) NARRATOR: This Brigham Young University—
Dialogue: 0,0:00:09.96,0:00:12.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Idaho devotional address by Sheri Dew,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:12.45,0:00:14.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,CEO of Deseret Book,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:14.36,0:00:18.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,was given May 17th, 2016.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:20.78,0:00:25.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,SHERI DEW: Brothers and sisters, it is such a privilege to be here today,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:25.62,0:00:28.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and especially to be here with President and Sister Gilbert.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:28.59,0:00:34.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They are dear and treasured friends and they're remarkable exemplars.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:34.22,0:00:37.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, we're not here today to listen to me speak,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:37.98,0:00:41.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we are here to receive revelation.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:41.20,0:00:45.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I invite you to invite the Holy Ghost to speak to
Dialogue: 0,0:00:45.08,0:00:49.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you so that you will hear what you need to hear.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:49.80,0:00:52.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A couple of years ago, a reporter from
Dialogue: 0,0:00:52.01,0:00:54.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,an international broadcasting network visited
Dialogue: 0,0:00:54.14,0:00:57.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Salt Lake City researching a story on women in the church.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:57.32,0:01:00.05,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She was intrigued that a female was leading
Dialogue: 0,0:01:00.05,0:01:03.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a church owned media company and asked me for an interview.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:03.48,0:01:04.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I liked this reporter.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:04.96,0:01:07.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She had done her homework and she asked good questions,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:07.86,0:01:10.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,though one of them was very predictable.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:10.45,0:01:16.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"How do you feel about not being eligible for priesthood ordination?" She asked.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:16.14,0:01:22.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I outlined the extensive leadership opportunities that women have in the church,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:22.02,0:01:27.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and then explained that as a woman endowed with power in the temple,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:27.26,0:01:32.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I had complete access to God's power or priesthood power for my own life.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:32.82,0:01:35.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I explained that my focus had long
Dialogue: 0,0:01:35.83,0:01:39.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,been on learning how to gain full access to that power.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:39.88,0:01:43.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She paused then and she asked,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:43.50,0:01:51.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Are you saying that you believe you have more access to God's power than I do?"
Dialogue: 0,0:01:51.46,0:01:54.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Okay, that's a loaded question.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:54.63,0:02:02.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(LAUGHTER) My brain began to spin in search of a truthful but politically correct answer.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:02.48,0:02:05.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But that day, I could not bring myself to sell
Dialogue: 0,0:02:05.71,0:02:08.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,our doctrine or our privileges as women short,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:08.77,0:02:09.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so finally I said,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:09.88,0:02:14.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Well, actually, yes."
Dialogue: 0,0:02:14.94,0:02:18.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, do not misunderstand what I'm saying.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:18.11,0:02:21.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I quickly added, "I am not saying the Lord loves me more than He loves you,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:21.65,0:02:24.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I'm not saying that I'm better than you.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:24.53,0:02:27.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm not saying that He's more likely to bless me than you,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:27.59,0:02:28.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but if you're asking,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:28.90,0:02:33.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,if I believe that I have greater access to God's power than you do,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:33.52,0:02:35.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,then the answer has to be yes.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:35.92,0:02:38.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That's one of the blessings of joining this church.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:38.06,0:02:39.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That's why we join the church.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:39.77,0:02:44.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We believe that when we make promises to God to follow His son,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:44.30,0:02:46.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He in turn makes promises to us.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:46.49,0:02:52.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And one of those promises is that He will give us greater access to His power."
Dialogue: 0,0:02:52.48,0:02:57.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As I spoke, the Spirit filled the room and it disarmed her.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:57.18,0:03:00.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Her demeanor softened noticeably.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:00.44,0:03:05.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then she asked if I would tell her how the gospel has affected me personally.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:05.09,0:03:09.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In other words, she basically opened the door for me to bear my testimony.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:09.18,0:03:13.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I told her that Jesus Christ hasn't just made a difference in my life,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:13.75,0:03:16.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He's made all the difference;
Dialogue: 0,0:03:16.35,0:03:20.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that every good thing that has ever happened to me has come because of my membership in
Dialogue: 0,0:03:20.96,0:03:25.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,His church; and that I have experienced the Savior's healing,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:25.50,0:03:29.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,enabling, strengthening power again and again.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:29.84,0:03:35.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,At that point, the spirit flooded the room and we were both in tears.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:35.90,0:03:39.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She finally could speak and she said,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:39.04,0:03:43.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"That's beautiful, I wish I could say that about my church."
Dialogue: 0,0:03:43.73,0:03:46.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I said, "Well, we could help you with that."
Dialogue: 0,0:03:48.31,0:03:50.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(LAUGHTER) That day I experienced
Dialogue: 0,0:03:50.96,0:03:56.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the sublime beauty of standing as a witness and bearing witness of truth.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:56.04,0:03:59.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Consider the miracle of it: through the power of the Holy Ghost,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:59.62,0:04:05.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we can know what is true with enough confidence and enough surety to testify of truth.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:05.16,0:04:08.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We can only bear witness of what we know.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:08.78,0:04:12.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We can't testify of a wish or a hope or even a belief.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:12.36,0:04:14.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We can express a hope, a wish,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:14.82,0:04:18.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or a belief, but we cannot stand as witnesses of
Dialogue: 0,0:04:18.41,0:04:22.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Jesus Christ unless we can bear witness of Him.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:22.16,0:04:25.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We can defend the faith only if we have faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:25.97,0:04:32.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Our society seems determined to set aside any semblance of faith or right and wrong.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:32.48,0:04:35.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But the world's condition today is no surprise to the Lord
Dialogue: 0,0:04:35.69,0:04:39.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who told the Prophet Joseph that we are living in the 11th hour,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:39.38,0:04:42.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that this is the last time He will call laborers into His vineyard,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:42.95,0:04:45.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that His vineyard has become corrupted.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:45.94,0:04:52.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But the Lord also declared that in the midst of all this moral and spiritual chaos,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:52.56,0:04:55.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the fullness of His gospel would be proclaimed by the
Dialogue: 0,0:04:55.55,0:04:59.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,weak and the simple and to the ends of the world,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:59.77,0:05:02.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and He promised that if we would open our mouths,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:02.72,0:05:04.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they would be filled.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:04.50,0:05:06.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You and I are the weak and the simple,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:06.77,0:05:11.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but we're not here now by accident or without the Lord's endorsement.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:11.78,0:05:13.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,President George Q. Cannon,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:13.42,0:05:17.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who served as a counselor to four Presidents of the Church, taught that
Dialogue: 0,0:05:17.81,0:05:21.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"because of the magnitude of the work to be accomplished,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:21.32,0:05:26.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it has required apparently the most valiant men and women to come forth now.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:26.58,0:05:29.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,God has reserved spirits for this dispensation
Dialogue: 0,0:05:29.42,0:05:33.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who have the courage and determination to face the world
Dialogue: 0,0:05:33.29,0:05:37.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and all the powers of the evil one and to build up the Zion of our God
Dialogue: 0,0:05:37.88,0:05:41.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,fearless of all consequences."
Dialogue: 0,0:05:41.17,0:05:43.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Make no mistake about it.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:43.86,0:05:46.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You're here now because in the beginning,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:46.25,0:05:54.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,our Father chose you to be here now, and He has hard work for you to do.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:54.19,0:05:59.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,How then do we strengthen our faith so that we can defend the faith?
Dialogue: 0,0:05:59.66,0:06:03.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Four years ago, a marvelous young woman who had just graduated
Dialogue: 0,0:06:03.59,0:06:07.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with honors from BYU called me, absolutely distraught.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:07.45,0:06:09.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Through sobs, she blurted out,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:09.98,0:06:14.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"I'm just not sure I believe the Church is true anymore, and I'm scared.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:14.30,0:06:18.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What if my family really isn't going to be together forever?"
Dialogue: 0,0:06:18.32,0:06:21.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I asked her, "Do you want to have a testimony?"
Dialogue: 0,0:06:21.28,0:06:23.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Yes." She said.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:23.22,0:06:25.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Are you willing to work for it?"
Dialogue: 0,0:06:25.02,0:06:28.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Again, "yes." And she was.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:28.40,0:06:33.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She went to work. She had a great bishop and an off-the-charts Relief Society president,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:33.53,0:06:34.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,both of whom worked with her.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:34.96,0:06:37.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Friends and family came to her rescue, and
Dialogue: 0,0:06:37.49,0:06:40.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,she and I began to meet for gospel study sessions.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:40.31,0:06:44.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I told her, bring your scriptures and every question you have.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:44.52,0:06:49.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Questions are good. Let's see what the Lord will teach us together.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:49.06,0:06:54.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She took me at my word and brought one thorny question after another.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:54.48,0:06:57.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Honestly, she brought questions I'd never thought of in my life.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:57.83,0:07:02.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We searched the scriptures and the teachings of prophets for answers.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:02.58,0:07:06.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Little by little, she began to realize that just
Dialogue: 0,0:07:06.38,0:07:10.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because she had questions didn't mean she didn't have a testimony—
Dialogue: 0,0:07:10.66,0:07:14.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the scriptures are filled with accounts of prophets who had questions—
Dialogue: 0,0:07:14.15,0:07:18.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and she began to recognize when the Spirit was bearing witness to her,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:18.24,0:07:21.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,including and especially, bearing witness that prophets,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:21.86,0:07:24.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,seers, and revelators are truly prophets.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:24.58,0:07:29.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Her testimony began to grow, and over time the crisis passed.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:29.50,0:07:32.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Then about a year ago, she called again. "Sister Dew,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:32.96,0:07:35.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I wanted you to be one of the first to know that
Dialogue: 0,0:07:35.60,0:07:38.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm holding in my hand a temple recommend.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:38.50,0:07:41.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Will you come when I received my endowment?"
Dialogue: 0,0:07:41.42,0:07:44.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Then she added, "Do you know what you said,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:44.26,0:07:45.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that helped me the most?"
Dialogue: 0,0:07:45.93,0:07:48.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well, I had absolutely no clue.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:48.15,0:07:52.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She said, "You told me that questions are good, and that
Dialogue: 0,0:07:52.25,0:07:57.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,allowed me to see myself as a seeker rather than a doubter."
Dialogue: 0,0:07:57.52,0:08:00.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I was just overjoyed with that conversation.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:00.94,0:08:02.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But then two days later,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:02.40,0:08:07.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I received a much different call from another BYU graduate.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:07.09,0:08:09.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Sister Dew, " she said.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:09.15,0:08:11.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Before you hear it from someone else,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:11.48,0:08:14.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I want you to hear it from me and to know that I am pregnant."
Dialogue: 0,0:08:14.81,0:08:16.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She was not married.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:16.30,0:08:18.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She said that for several years she had doubted
Dialogue: 0,0:08:18.41,0:08:20.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the truthfulness of the gospel and had finally
Dialogue: 0,0:08:20.39,0:08:24.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,decided there was no reason to keep living the law of chastity.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:24.65,0:08:27.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I told her that I was not her judge, and that I loved her.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:27.86,0:08:32.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Then I asked her if she would like to have a testimony.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:32.18,0:08:34.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"No, I don't think so, "
Dialogue: 0,0:08:34.94,0:08:38.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,she said. The contrast was stunning.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:38.86,0:08:40.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,At about the same time,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:40.25,0:08:44.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,these two young women had questions that threatened their testimonies.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:44.60,0:08:46.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One of them sent out a cry for help, and
Dialogue: 0,0:08:46.66,0:08:52.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,family, friends and leaders followed President Monson's counsel and went to her rescue.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:52.54,0:08:55.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The other girl nursed her doubt and convinced
Dialogue: 0,0:08:55.01,0:08:58.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,herself that her immoral choices were acceptable.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:58.12,0:09:01.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I love and deeply care about this girl,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:01.30,0:09:06.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but for now, she has chosen a spiritually perilous path.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:06.38,0:09:09.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One girl's questions propelled her to become a seeker of truth.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:09.88,0:09:14.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The other girl used her questions to justify her immorality.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:14.26,0:09:18.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,My dear friends, my message today is simply, questions are good.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:18.66,0:09:22.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Questions are good if they are inspired questions,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:22.02,0:09:26.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,asked in faith, and asked of credible sources where
Dialogue: 0,0:09:26.00,0:09:30.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Spirit will direct and confirm the answer.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:30.34,0:09:34.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Nephi asked an inspired question in faith
Dialogue: 0,0:09:34.01,0:09:37.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when he asked the Lord if he could see what his father saw.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:37.58,0:09:40.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Lord responded by showing Nephi the tree of life,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:40.78,0:09:43.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the iron rod, the great and spacious building and
Dialogue: 0,0:09:43.16,0:09:46.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,mists of darkness, and the fruit of the tree,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:46.00,0:09:49.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which is sweet above all that is sweet.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:49.42,0:09:52.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then the vision didn't stop there.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:52.04,0:09:55.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Nephi saw the birth, ministry, and crucifixion of the Savior.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:55.76,0:09:58.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He saw the coming forth of Latter-day scripture,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:58.30,0:10:01.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Restoration, and the building of Latter-day Zion.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:01.87,0:10:04.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Nephi saw all this and much more,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:04.68,0:10:08.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,only to return to his father's tent and find Laman and
Dialogue: 0,0:10:08.06,0:10:11.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Lemuel arguing about the meaning of their father's vision.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:11.92,0:10:13.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When Nephi ask them,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:13.74,0:10:15.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Have ye inquired of the Lord, "
Dialogue: 0,0:10:15.89,0:10:19.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they gave the classic response of doubters:
Dialogue: 0,0:10:19.52,0:10:23.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"We have not, for the Lord maketh no such thing known
Dialogue: 0,0:10:23.39,0:10:27.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,unto us" as though nothing was required of them.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:27.58,0:10:32.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,None of us are entitled to revelation without effort on our part.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:32.90,0:10:37.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Answers from God don't just magically appear.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:37.04,0:10:39.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If we want to grow spiritually,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:39.10,0:10:43.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Lord expects us to ask questions and seek answers.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:43.79,0:10:47.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"If thou shalt ask," he promised,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:47.04,0:10:51.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge."
Dialogue: 0,0:10:51.74,0:10:54.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,How much clearer can it be?
Dialogue: 0,0:10:54.35,0:11:00.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Lord loves inspired questions asked in faith because they lead to knowledge,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:00.94,0:11:04.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to revelation, and to greater faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:04.63,0:11:06.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We all have questions.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:06.92,0:11:10.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some are doctrinal, historical, or procedural.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:10.56,0:11:13.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some are simply intensely personal.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:13.62,0:11:19.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Here are just a few questions that men and women your age have asked me recently.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:19.55,0:11:23.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Why am I the only one in my family who struggles to believe?
Dialogue: 0,0:11:23.80,0:11:27.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Should I serve a mission if my parents don't want me to?
Dialogue: 0,0:11:27.24,0:11:31.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Why did I spend all that time on a mission and not convert anyone?
Dialogue: 0,0:11:31.42,0:11:37.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Why can't I find the one? Yeah, tell me about it. (LAUGHTER)
Dialogue: 0,0:11:40.20,0:11:42.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We don't have time to go into that one.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:42.61,0:11:46.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(LAUGHTER) If I go
Dialogue: 0,0:11:46.36,0:11:50.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to graduate school, will the Lord think that means I don't want to get married?
Dialogue: 0,0:11:50.44,0:11:53.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Will I be able to provide for a family today?
Dialogue: 0,0:11:53.28,0:11:56.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Will the Lord ever forgive me for breaking my covenants?
Dialogue: 0,0:11:56.80,0:11:59.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I came home early from my mission, what do I do now?
Dialogue: 0,0:11:59.77,0:12:01.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,How does the Lord feel about me?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:01.66,0:12:04.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Is a prophet infallible?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:04.64,0:12:07.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Did Joseph Smith really have more than one wife?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:07.60,0:12:10.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,How do I know if I'm receiving revelation?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:10.90,0:12:14.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Do I dare get serious with a guy who has struggled with pornography?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:14.98,0:12:17.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Why can't women be ordained to the priesthood?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:17.35,0:12:18.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What's that about?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:18.96,0:12:22.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What if the Church's position on gay marriage bothers me?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:22.93,0:12:28.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,How do I understand the temple when I can't even ask questions about it?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:28.53,0:12:31.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,May I answer these questions and
Dialogue: 0,0:12:31.21,0:12:36.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,frankly any questions you may have by posing a question?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:36.32,0:12:41.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Are you willing to engage in the wrestle—
Dialogue: 0,0:12:41.48,0:12:45.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in an ongoing spiritual wrestle?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:45.84,0:12:52.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Enos described the wrestle that he had before God to obtain a remission of his sins,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:52.08,0:12:56.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and Alma wrestled with God in mighty prayer.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:56.35,0:12:59.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, champion wrestlers tell me that it isn't
Dialogue: 0,0:12:59.08,0:13:03.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,necessarily the strongest wrestler with the biggest muscles who wins.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:03.01,0:13:09.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's the wrestler who knows how to leverage his strength to overpower his opponent.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:09.14,0:13:16.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Spiritual wrestling leverages the strength of true doctrine to overpower our weaknesses,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:16.60,0:13:19.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,our wavering faith and our lack of knowledge.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:19.33,0:13:21.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Spiritual wrestlers are seekers.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:21.98,0:13:26.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They are men and women of faith who want to understand more than they presently do,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:26.46,0:13:30.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and who are serious about increasing the light and knowledge in their lives.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:30.84,0:13:35.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I recently engaged in a wrestle. When the policy was announced that the children of
Dialogue: 0,0:13:35.74,0:13:40.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,gay parents might not be eligible for baptism at age eight, I was confused.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:40.88,0:13:44.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I did not question the brethren or doubt their inspiration,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:44.38,0:13:48.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but neither did I understand the doctrinal basis for the policy.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:48.34,0:13:50.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I asked the Lord to teach me.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:50.53,0:13:53.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I prayed, searched the scriptures,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:53.08,0:13:55.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,studied the teachings of prophets,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:55.27,0:13:57.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and pondered my question in the temple.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:57.67,0:13:59.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This went on for several months.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:59.71,0:14:04.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Then one day, a colleague made a statement that sparked a new thought for me.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:04.86,0:14:10.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And in that moment, the Spirit illuminated the doctrine in my heart and mind.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:10.94,0:14:14.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, I consider that answer that day,
Dialogue: 0,0:14:14.23,0:14:18.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,personal revelation and not something I shouldn't necessarily teach.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:18.56,0:14:24.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'll admit that I have wept with friends to whom this policy directly applies.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:24.72,0:14:29.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But understanding the doctrine gave me peace.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:29.26,0:14:32.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When we have unresolved questions,
Dialogue: 0,0:14:32.64,0:14:35.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,our challenge doesn't lie in what we think we know.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:35.86,0:14:39.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It lies in what we don't yet know.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:39.20,0:14:44.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Lord has promised to open the eyes of our understandings and to reveal all mysteries,
Dialogue: 0,0:14:44.71,0:14:50.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but he isn't likely to do any of these things unless we seek to know.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:50.11,0:14:54.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Dr. Truman Madsen taught that he could find
Dialogue: 0,0:14:54.06,0:14:59.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"nothing in the scriptures to excuse anyone from brain sweat,
Dialogue: 0,0:14:59.02,0:15:02.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and from the arduous lifetime burden of seeking
Dialogue: 0,0:15:02.59,0:15:06.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,'revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge'."
Dialogue: 0,0:15:06.49,0:15:12.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He was describing an ongoing spiritual wrestle.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:12.36,0:15:17.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Lord wants us to ask every probing question we can muster,
Dialogue: 0,0:15:17.71,0:15:22.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because not asking questions can be far more dangerous than asking them.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:22.93,0:15:26.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In other words, sin makes you stupid,
Dialogue: 0,0:15:26.80,0:15:30.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and so does refusing to seek after truth.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:30.91,0:15:34.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Remember my friend who thought she'd lost her testimony?
Dialogue: 0,0:15:34.22,0:15:35.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Her doubt was triggered by
Dialogue: 0,0:15:35.96,0:15:40.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a television drama featuring a scientist who didn't believe in God.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:40.39,0:15:42.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I said, "Wait,
Dialogue: 0,0:15:42.36,0:15:46.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are you telling me that a fictional character fabricated by
Dialogue: 0,0:15:46.75,0:15:52.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a Hollywood writer has obliterated 24 years of gospel teaching?"
Dialogue: 0,0:15:52.98,0:15:57.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"But that woman is so smart," my friend said.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:57.42,0:16:01.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There have always been and will always be charismatic men and
Dialogue: 0,0:16:01.51,0:16:05.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,women who can launch what sound like on the surface
Dialogue: 0,0:16:05.70,0:16:08.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,reasoned arguments against the Father and the Son,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:08.83,0:16:11.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Restoration, the Prophet Joseph,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:11.46,0:16:13.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Book of Mormon, and living prophets.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:13.62,0:16:16.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But doubters and pundits never tell
Dialogue: 0,0:16:16.06,0:16:19.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the whole story because they don't know the whole story, and they don't want to know.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:19.93,0:16:22.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They opt for clever soundbites,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:22.16,0:16:24.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,hoping no one digs deeper than they have.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:24.52,0:16:28.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Soundbites will never lead to a testimony.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:28.32,0:16:31.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As seekers of truth, our safety lies in asking
Dialogue: 0,0:16:31.24,0:16:35.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the right questions in faith and of the right sources,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:35.06,0:16:38.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,meaning asking those who only speak truth,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:38.30,0:16:40.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,such as the scriptures,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:40.47,0:16:44.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,prophets, and the Lord through the Holy Ghost.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:44.03,0:16:47.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,President Spencer W. Kimball declared this:
Dialogue: 0,0:16:47.94,0:16:50.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Why. oh, why do people think they can fathom
Dialogue: 0,0:16:50.89,0:16:53.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the most complex spiritual depths without
Dialogue: 0,0:16:53.80,0:16:58.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the necessary work accompanied by compliance with the laws that govern it?
Dialogue: 0,0:16:58.44,0:17:03.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Absurd it is, but you will find popular personalities, who seem never to
Dialogue: 0,0:17:03.40,0:17:08.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,have lived a single law of God, discoursing about religion.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:08.38,0:17:13.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,How ridiculous for such persons to attempt to outline for the world a way of life.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:13.90,0:17:17.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One cannot know God nor understand his works or
Dialogue: 0,0:17:17.29,0:17:21.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,plans unless he follows the laws which govern."
Dialogue: 0,0:17:22.26,0:17:25.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Questions are not just good,
Dialogue: 0,0:17:25.04,0:17:31.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they are vital because the ensuing spiritual wrestle leads to answers,
Dialogue: 0,0:17:31.18,0:17:33.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to knowledge, and to revelation,
Dialogue: 0,0:17:33.98,0:17:37.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and it also leads to greater faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:37.32,0:17:44.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That's important because men and women of faith are expected to have faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:44.23,0:17:46.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,While the Lord will reveal many things to us,
Dialogue: 0,0:17:46.87,0:17:51.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He's never told His covenant people everything about everything.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:51.68,0:17:56.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We're admonished to doubt not, but be believing.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:56.80,0:18:00.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But doubting not does not mean understanding everything.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:00.94,0:18:03.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Doubting is not synonymous with having questions,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:03.60,0:18:06.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to doubt is to reject truth and faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:06.72,0:18:08.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As covenant sons and daughters,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:08.64,0:18:10.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we are required to have faith,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:10.74,0:18:13.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to live by faith, to ask in faith,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:13.27,0:18:16.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,nothing wavering, and to overcome by faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:16.72,0:18:20.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Learning by faith is as crucial as learning by study,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:20.74,0:18:25.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because there are some things we simply cannot learn from a book.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:25.18,0:18:30.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Elder Dallin H. Oaks underscored this truth in the recent general conference:
Dialogue: 0,0:18:30.16,0:18:32.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"After all we can publish,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:32.60,0:18:38.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,our members are sometimes left with basic questions that cannot be resolved by study.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:38.52,0:18:41.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some things can be learned only by faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:41.26,0:18:44.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Our ultimate reliance must be on faith in
Dialogue: 0,0:18:44.35,0:18:48.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the witness we have received from the Holy Ghost."
Dialogue: 0,0:18:48.78,0:18:53.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thus, once the Spirit has borne witness to you
Dialogue: 0,0:18:53.22,0:18:56.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that God is our Father and Jesus is the Christ,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:56.53,0:18:59.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that Joseph Smith was a prophet called to restore
Dialogue: 0,0:18:59.53,0:19:02.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the gospel, and that we are led by a prophet today,
Dialogue: 0,0:19:02.78,0:19:05.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,then you know the gospel is true because
Dialogue: 0,0:19:05.35,0:19:10.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Spirit has borne witness of the foundational truths that comprise a testimony.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:10.04,0:19:11.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You have a testimony.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:11.88,0:19:15.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,At that point, when questions arise or when
Dialogue: 0,0:19:15.01,0:19:18.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,blessings you've been pleading for remain unfulfilled,
Dialogue: 0,0:19:18.67,0:19:23.100,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they are not an indication that you don't have a testimony or that the gospel isn't true.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:23.100,0:19:27.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They are an invitation for you to grow spiritually.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:27.32,0:19:29.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I repeat, once you have received
Dialogue: 0,0:19:29.96,0:19:33.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a spiritual witness of the truths that form a testimony,
Dialogue: 0,0:19:33.78,0:19:39.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,even your thorniest questions about our doctrine, history,
Dialogue: 0,0:19:39.28,0:19:41.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,positions on sensitive issues,
Dialogue: 0,0:19:41.34,0:19:46.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or the aching desires of your hearts are about personal growth.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:46.48,0:19:52.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They are opportunities for you to receive personal revelation and to increase your faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:52.42,0:19:58.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We don't have to have answers to every question in order to receive a witness,
Dialogue: 0,0:19:58.45,0:20:02.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,bear witness, and stand as a witness.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:02.70,0:20:05.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But questions, especially the tough ones,
Dialogue: 0,0:20:05.62,0:20:07.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,will propel us to engage in
Dialogue: 0,0:20:07.24,0:20:12.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a spiritual wrestle so that the Lord can continue to lead us along.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:12.12,0:20:14.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Without plain old spiritual work,
Dialogue: 0,0:20:14.70,0:20:17.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,even God can't make us grow,
Dialogue: 0,0:20:17.22,0:20:20.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or at least He won't.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:20.30,0:20:23.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,My life has been filled with spiritual wrestling.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:23.47,0:20:26.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Not because of any great valor on my part,
Dialogue: 0,0:20:26.68,0:20:29.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but because I have yearned to understand why
Dialogue: 0,0:20:29.08,0:20:32.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,certain things were happening to me and why others were not.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:32.88,0:20:35.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For decades, I have fasted,
Dialogue: 0,0:20:35.95,0:20:38.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,prayed, and pleaded for a husband.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:38.18,0:20:39.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I've asked who he is,
Dialogue: 0,0:20:39.80,0:20:42.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where he is, and when he's coming.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:42.20,0:20:43.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As of this very moment,
Dialogue: 0,0:20:43.92,0:20:47.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I still don't know the answer to any of those questions.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:47.14,0:20:51.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But, the ongoing spiritual wrestle has
Dialogue: 0,0:20:51.25,0:20:56.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,blessed me with the knowledge that Jesus Christ is my Savior,
Dialogue: 0,0:20:56.02,0:20:58.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that His gospel is filled with power,
Dialogue: 0,0:20:58.74,0:21:02.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that God will talk to me and direct me.
Dialogue: 0,0:21:02.34,0:21:05.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Growing spiritually and receiving answers to
Dialogue: 0,0:21:05.17,0:21:09.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,our questions depends upon our ability to feel,
Dialogue: 0,0:21:09.04,0:21:12.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,hear, and understand the whisperings of the Spirit.
Dialogue: 0,0:21:12.49,0:21:14.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It is worth engaging in
Dialogue: 0,0:21:14.89,0:21:19.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,an ongoing spiritual wrestle to learn to receive personal revelation.
Dialogue: 0,0:21:19.70,0:21:24.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because we can only know what is true when the Spirit bears witness
Dialogue: 0,0:21:24.16,0:21:28.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to our hearts and our minds as only the Holy Ghost can.
Dialogue: 0,0:21:28.93,0:21:31.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Revelation must include both
Dialogue: 0,0:21:31.21,0:21:34.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because intellect alone cannot produce a testimony.
Dialogue: 0,0:21:34.54,0:21:37.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You cannot think your way to conversion
Dialogue: 0,0:21:37.60,0:21:42.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because you cannot convince your mind of something your heart does not feel.
Dialogue: 0,0:21:42.13,0:21:49.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Prophet Joseph declared that "The Holy Ghost comprehends more than all the world."
Dialogue: 0,0:21:49.96,0:21:56.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then he said that we must all grow into the principle of revelation.
Dialogue: 0,0:21:56.38,0:21:59.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And President Henry B. Eyring added this:
Dialogue: 0,0:21:59.83,0:22:04.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"We all know that human judgment and logical thinking will not be
Dialogue: 0,0:22:04.09,0:22:08.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,enough to get answers to the questions that matter most in life.
Dialogue: 0,0:22:08.26,0:22:10.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We need revelation from God.
Dialogue: 0,0:22:10.52,0:22:13.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We need not just one flash of light and comfort,
Dialogue: 0,0:22:13.36,0:22:18.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but we need the continuing blessing of communication with God."
Dialogue: 0,0:22:18.88,0:22:23.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Every truth-seeking member of the Church can and
Dialogue: 0,0:22:23.71,0:22:28.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,should be receiving revelation for his or her life.
Dialogue: 0,0:22:28.45,0:22:30.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In my early 20s, I faced
Dialogue: 0,0:22:30.28,0:22:34.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a difficult decision and asked a friend for a priesthood blessing.
Dialogue: 0,0:22:34.30,0:22:37.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He asked what the Lord had already told me,
Dialogue: 0,0:22:37.26,0:22:40.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I admitted that I could feel the presence of the Spirit,
Dialogue: 0,0:22:40.42,0:22:43.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but I couldn't discern specific revelation.
Dialogue: 0,0:22:43.42,0:22:46.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He then asked if I had ever asked the Lord to teach me
Dialogue: 0,0:22:46.90,0:22:50.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what it felt like when He was speaking to me.
Dialogue: 0,0:22:50.38,0:22:52.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well, I hadn't.
Dialogue: 0,0:22:52.02,0:22:58.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But that night, I began to ask the Lord to teach me the language of revelation.
Dialogue: 0,0:22:58.50,0:23:00.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That was 40 years ago.
Dialogue: 0,0:23:00.56,0:23:06.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And over time, I have come to know that what President Boyd K. Packer taught is true.
Dialogue: 0,0:23:06.31,0:23:09.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That ''if all you know is what you can see with
Dialogue: 0,0:23:09.34,0:23:12.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,your natural eyes and hear with your natural ears,
Dialogue: 0,0:23:12.79,0:23:16.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,then you will not know very much."
Dialogue: 0,0:23:17.37,0:23:23.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Seekers have certain habits that are key to learning to communicate with God.
Dialogue: 0,0:23:23.90,0:23:26.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For starters, they engage in the wrestle,
Dialogue: 0,0:23:26.90,0:23:28.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,meaning they work at it.
Dialogue: 0,0:23:28.64,0:23:31.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They immerse themselves regularly in the scriptures
Dialogue: 0,0:23:31.33,0:23:34.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because the scriptures are the textbook for the Lord's language.
Dialogue: 0,0:23:34.92,0:23:38.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They also work to be increasingly pure—
Dialogue: 0,0:23:38.72,0:23:40.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,pure in their heart and thoughts;
Dialogue: 0,0:23:40.76,0:23:42.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,pure in what they say,
Dialogue: 0,0:23:42.19,0:23:44.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,watch, read, and listen to.
Dialogue: 0,0:23:44.70,0:23:47.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Purity invites the Spirit.
Dialogue: 0,0:23:47.68,0:23:51.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then, pure seekers listen.
Dialogue: 0,0:23:51.80,0:23:57.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One of my former institute students periodically turns off everything electronic.
Dialogue: 0,0:23:57.26,0:23:59.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,TV off, music off,
Dialogue: 0,0:23:59.58,0:24:03.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,phone off, computer off, iPad off.
Dialogue: 0,0:24:03.07,0:24:07.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She says, "I like to let the Lord know, I'm listening."
Dialogue: 0,0:24:07.54,0:24:10.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As you cultivate these spiritual habits,
Dialogue: 0,0:24:10.78,0:24:13.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,there are two questions—actually more than that—
Dialogue: 0,0:24:13.81,0:24:17.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but there are at least two questions that will help open the heavens.
Dialogue: 0,0:24:17.04,0:24:22.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,First, ask the Lord to teach you what it feels and sounds like for
Dialogue: 0,0:24:22.39,0:24:29.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you when He is speaking to you via the Holy Ghost, and then watch how He tutors you.
Dialogue: 0,0:24:29.40,0:24:34.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And second, if you've never asked the Lord how He feels about you,
Dialogue: 0,0:24:34.32,0:24:37.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that is a great question to ask.
Dialogue: 0,0:24:37.84,0:24:39.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In time and over time,
Dialogue: 0,0:24:39.73,0:24:41.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He will tell you.
Dialogue: 0,0:24:41.14,0:24:46.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And as He does, you'll learn more and more about speaking His language.
Dialogue: 0,0:24:46.75,0:24:50.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When the Lord sees that you want to communicate with Him,
Dialogue: 0,0:24:50.17,0:24:52.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He will teach you how.
Dialogue: 0,0:24:52.87,0:24:57.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Recently, a friend working on her PhD received an impression
Dialogue: 0,0:24:57.64,0:25:02.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,during a Relief Society Conference to shift the focus of her dissertation.
Dialogue: 0,0:25:02.18,0:25:05.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She also felt prompted during that conference to go
Dialogue: 0,0:25:05.38,0:25:09.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,directly to the temple to ask the Lord further questions.
Dialogue: 0,0:25:09.20,0:25:10.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She said, "While there,
Dialogue: 0,0:25:10.94,0:25:14.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I was told how to make this new focus work and how I
Dialogue: 0,0:25:14.77,0:25:19.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,could be both academically unbiased and spiritually honest.
Dialogue: 0,0:25:19.14,0:25:22.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I occasionally receive clear words from the Spirit," she said,
Dialogue: 0,0:25:22.54,0:25:26.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"but never have I been given such clear instructions.
Dialogue: 0,0:25:26.14,0:25:29.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The task ahead feels incredibly difficult,
Dialogue: 0,0:25:29.26,0:25:33.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but I know what direction to go and that the Lord expects it of me,
Dialogue: 0,0:25:33.73,0:25:37.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that makes all the difference."
Dialogue: 0,0:25:37.47,0:25:43.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Receiving revelation is the key to receiving answers to our questions.
Dialogue: 0,0:25:43.88,0:25:49.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Joseph Smith promised that "even the least Saint may
Dialogue: 0,0:25:49.36,0:25:55.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,know all things as fast as he is able to bear them."
Dialogue: 0,0:25:55.36,0:25:59.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,My dear friends, make no mistake about it.
Dialogue: 0,0:25:59.20,0:26:02.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We are here now because we're supposed to be here now,
Dialogue: 0,0:26:02.47,0:26:05.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and we each have a mission to fulfill.
Dialogue: 0,0:26:05.95,0:26:07.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Part of that mission
Dialogue: 0,0:26:07.76,0:26:15.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,—a really important part of that mission—is to stand as witnesses of truth.
Dialogue: 0,0:26:15.85,0:26:19.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that means we must receive a witness that Jesus is
Dialogue: 0,0:26:19.48,0:26:23.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Christ and that His gospel has been restored.
Dialogue: 0,0:26:23.78,0:26:26.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I invite you to decide
Dialogue: 0,0:26:26.60,0:26:31.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,today that you will pay the price to wrestle with difficult questions,
Dialogue: 0,0:26:31.99,0:26:35.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to become lifetime seekers of truth,
Dialogue: 0,0:26:35.40,0:26:38.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to learn to speak the Lord's language,
Dialogue: 0,0:26:38.76,0:26:44.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and to receive a witness of Jesus Christ and the restoration of His gospel.
Dialogue: 0,0:26:44.82,0:26:46.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If you will,
Dialogue: 0,0:26:46.36,0:26:51.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you will have the privilege of helping prepare the Earth for His return.
Dialogue: 0,0:26:51.36,0:26:57.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You'll be able to defend the faith because of your ever increasing faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:26:57.76,0:27:00.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Savior is going to come again.
Dialogue: 0,0:27:00.98,0:27:05.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,May we stand for Him and with Him.
Dialogue: 0,0:27:05.30,0:27:08.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I testify that God is our Father,
Dialogue: 0,0:27:08.26,0:27:10.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that Jesus is the Christ.
Dialogue: 0,0:27:10.76,0:27:12.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is His church,
Dialogue: 0,0:27:12.28,0:27:17.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it has been restored, and it is filled with His power,
Dialogue: 0,0:27:17.08,0:27:21.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and if we want to communicate with heaven and receive answers to our questions,
Dialogue: 0,0:27:21.68,0:27:25.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I testify the heavens will open, and we can learn
Dialogue: 0,0:27:25.92,0:27:30.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and stand as witnesses in the name of Jesus Christ,
Dialogue: 0,0:27:30.60,0:27:40.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,amen. (MUSIC)
Dialogue: 0,0:27:40.42,0:27:42.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,NARRATOR: For more information about this program,
Dialogue: 0,0:27:42.25,0:27:47.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,please visit the BYU-Idaho website at www.byui.edu/devotionalsandspeeches.
Dialogue: 0,0:27:48.44,0:28:00.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(MUSIC)