God has not left us alone

How do we know about God? I was teaching a friend the other day about the importance of understanding our relationship with God our Heavenly Father, and I asked myself that question... how do we know about God?

We have left the presence of our Heavenly Father to come to this earth and gain experience. We experience love, peace, triumph, shortcomings, sadness and joy. We are separated from God our Father so we can learn to walk by faith, but He has not left us alone. He has chosen faithful men to teach us about Him and how to get back home. The Old Testament teaches us that, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth His secrets unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) Prophets receive revelation, which is special communication with God. They are a great benefit to us. These prophets record scripture such as the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon. Throughout history God has always called prophets to teach us about Him.

I was pondering the experience of a modern day prophet and how much his experience teaches us about God and our relationship to Him. Joseph Smith, the prophet chosen to restore the Church of Jesus Christ in this time, had an incredible experience. As a young boy he had a question. How do I get back home? What church should I join? A scripture in the Bible gave him the guidance that he needed. James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God... and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." He came to the conclusion that he "must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else he must do as James directs, that is, ask of God". (JSH 1:13) This advice led him into a grove of trees, where he got on his knees and offered a prayer to God. A miracle happened and his prayer was answered in a truly miraculous way. Of his experience he said, "I saw of pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-- This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!". (JSH 1:16-17) God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ came to Joseph Smith! God has not left us alone. This experience teaches us the fact the God hears and answers prayers, he knows us by name, he loves us enough to call a Prophet to teach us about Him.

So, how does the world know about God? By revelation through prophets. Now, how can we personally know that God is really there? How can we know that there is a plan for us. God has provided a way. We must walk by faith and receive a witness through the feelings in our heart that comes by the Spirit. These feelings come as we sincerely ask our Heavenly Father the questions of our soul. When this powerful witness comes, there can be no greater evidence. God will never leave us alone.

The truth has been restored. Learn about how you can know at mormon.org