Confident In Christ

Good Morning!

This has been an amazing week, many wonderful things happened. People committed to prepare for baptism, others decided against it. One of our friends was baptized! But I'm not at liberty to share their baptismal photo here. We made some new friends! They're doing well, and ultimately, we faced God and did His work. I'm confident in that.

I've helped serve at the Old Testament Traveling Tabernacle here in St. George three times this past week, and been through it once with a friend we're teaching! It's an amazing experience, and opportunity to serve. Elder Koyle and I gave parts of the tour on Monday night to the Mission Presidency and many of the local Stake Presidents, and their families. I worked at the tabernacle coverings section, it was a wonderful opportunity to learn more, and share about, the ancient tabernacle.

I also had the chance to attend a couple meetings with President and Sister Staples. I've loved serving around them and seeing how I can improve, and motivate others to do the same. I participated in an exchange, and as usual, learned more about myself than I thought. It's strange how that works; you try to assist others but they end up teaching you.

My companion gave an interesting thought about confidence. He asked me if I was confident in myself, or confident in Jesus Christ and His power. That kicked my mind into gear; I was confident in my abilities to be a missionary, but did that confidence come from Jesus Christ, or was it a 'boasting in my own strength?'

Elder Koyle and I discuss many topics, particularly relating to the gospel. I've enjoyed understanding his perspective and how it's improved my own world view. In another one of our discussions, he made the following observation.

"When we focus on our problems, and make that the pillar of our being, we never run out of problems. They're always there, as the focus of our attention. But when we make Jesus Christ our pillar, and center our lives on Him, then our problems become distant, and solve themselves."

The Prophet himself has said:

"When your greatest desire is to let God prevail, to be a part of Israel, so many decisions become easier. So many issues become nonissues! You know how best to groom yourself. You know what to watch and read, where to spend your time, and with whom to associate. You know what you need to accomplish. You know the kind of person you really want to become."

With a focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and a desire to let God prevail, it places the rest of our concerns in perspective. It allows us to ask ourselves; "Is this really important from an eternal perspective?" I know for sure that this perspective allows me to work with and understand those around me much better.

I take this as being confident in Jesus Christ. However, there are other ways to do the same. We can find support when we feel alone, lost, and helpless. Here's President Nelson's thoughts:

"Now, my dear brothers and sisters, it takes both faith and courage to let God prevail. It takes persistent, rigorous spiritual work to repent and to put off the natural man through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It takes consistent, daily effort to develop personal habits to study the gospel, to learn more about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and to seek and respond to personal revelation."

It takes confidence in Jesus Christ, as our Savior, Healer, and Redeemer, to move forward. The Atonement is the greatest gift given to mankind, and I'm so thankful it's a part of my life. Without it, I certainly wouldn't be where I am now, and I know I wouldn't have the strength and ability to change that it provides me.

There's one more aspect I'd like to share, but this comes with a story. In our District Council Meeting, I was asked to try and 'sell' a random pen I was given, to Sister Millet. I was given two minutes, and though I wasn't certain what I was doing, I felt pretty confident that I could say something that would catch her attention and spark a desire to obtain the pen.

I began by telling her how amazing the pen was, and what it did, and explained to her all the reasons why it would be great for her to have. I smiled, was outgoing, and did my best to explain how it would change her life. I was about 1:15 into my two minutes before I realized something needed to change.

So, I paused for a half second, and listened to Sister Millet. I asked what her concerns were, and what she needed. I asked sincere questions that helped me to better understand her. Then I presented the pen in a way that would fulfill those needs and favor her situation. The entire attitude and focus shifted from 'selling' the pen to offering something that would bless her life.

That 45 second shift in mindset was only possible because God knew the District needed to learn something from that object lesson. They saw and recognized the 'salesman' mindset, and witnessed the shift to a 'serving, fulfilling' mindset. That newfound confidence to provide a life changing solution, came only through Jesus Christ and his strengthening power to support His work.

Missionary service has blessed my life immensely. Without it I would be nowhere near where I am today. Without Jesus Christ, my Savior, Healer, and Redeemer, I wouldn't be half the person I have become. It's through this strengthening power that I can serve, with as much of my heart, might, mind and strength as I can give, and then more! To answer Elder Koyle's query from before, I am confident in Christ, and His power. I'm thankful for all He has done for me, and the counsel that comes from Him, through our living prophet of today. I desire to follow this pattern for the rest of my life, and keep my focus on the Savior, for with Him I am everything.

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:

881 South River Road

St. George, Utah 84790

Pictures:

1. The tabernacle itself!

2. Another sunset.

3. It's the St. George Temple, I love it.

4. All the missionaries serving in the tabernacle for the preview tour!

5. Everyone mid-meeting.

6. Elder Koyle and I at the tabernacle.

7. The official picture!