Sunday Lesson Oct 23rd

This week’s Teaching for our Times message was based on talks by two apostles during this past General Conference, Lest Thou Forget by Elder Ronald A. Rasband and To Whom Shall We Go, by Elder M. Russell Ballard. Both talks powerfully invited each of us at times of doubt and questioning to remember past spiritual experiences and to remember how much we have received though the blessings of the Gospel.

Elder Ballard began his address by quoting scriptures from the intercessory prayer, found in John 17:9, 11, 20-21.
“I pray for them … that they may be one, as we are. …
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.”
Our teacher powerfully reminded us that our Savior, Jesus Christ prays for ALL those who believe in Him…and that is each of us! When we are struggling or doubting we can remember that He has great and tender concern for us and wants us to continue on the path that will lead to joy.
During our Savior’s ministry, He had those who had once followed Him turn back and follow Him no more. His tender question, “will ye also go away?” (John 6:67) again reminds us of how much He wants us to follow the truth and be happy.

Time hasn’t changed that we all have challenges of the heart or the spirit. If there are times when we are wondering if we should turn back from the path of discipleship, we should do as Peter did in response to this question from the Savior. He responded with pure and very simple testimony in John 6:68–69,
“Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou has the words of eternal life.
“And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
There have been and will be times when all of us are struggling and need our testimonies strengthened. It is important to never stop doing the things that will build our testimonies, but to also be open about times we had questions and whatwe did to find answers and find strength again so we can help others in their times of need.

The biggest thing that both Elders Rasband and Ballard pleaded with us to do in times of doubt or weakening of testimony is to remember. Remember spiritual experiences, tender mercies, and peace during difficult times. Remember when you first gained your testimony that what lead you to start the path of discipleship. Recording these experiences and having them in an accessible place can be very helpful during times of questioning.

Both of the Apostles reminded us that the effects of our spiritual decisions have an impact for years and generations to come for good or ill. They, and especially our Savior, want us to take the path that will lead to lasting peace and happiness, to remember our testimonies of the Gospel and stay true to them. They want us to know that questioning is a normal part of life and can be the motivation to seek our greater spiritual understanding and strength if we approach our doubts in the right way.

- Karen