Aug. 7, 2017

Sometimes, I wonder how much people can take. How hard it can get. Not just for us, as missionaries. But for our investigators.

As soon as Zack knew it was true, he knew he wanted it. But anything worth having is rarely easy. These are the last days. And because of that, we can count on hard times.

As it turned out, Satan wasn't relinquishing his hold on Zack without a fight. Zack and Aerie had a disagreement this past week, and the marriage got cancelled. But Zack knows it is true, and is absolutely determined to keep his commitments, notwithstanding the fact that the Satan is trying to break him down. And he still plans on marrying Aerie, if circumstances are right. And, despite it all, Zack has decided to push forward with the baptism anyway.

He is still scheduled to be baptized this Sunday, after church. Whether or not he fully realizes it yet, he has found the pearl of great price, and with help from our Savior Jesus Christ, he will be able to overcome anything the devil can throw at him. I know it. And with faith and a pure heart, I have no doubt in my mind that he can make it.

We have been fighting for this so long, and now its finally here. And words can't express what a victory it will be for Zack.

Despite the opposition from the Devil, and the rough week that they have had, after talking with the Bishop, Zack and Aerie both came to church this week. And because they did, now he is still on track for being baptized.

Zacks parents have basically been against his baptism into this church from day one, and we don't know what will become of their relationship with their son now. But what we do know is this -- that this is Christ's church. This is the truth! And as hard as it is, it is worth sacrificing everything for. Worth every moment of pain and heartache. Because when we feel the most alone, I know that that is when he is carrying us. Christ has already walked this way before. And He knows what we are going through. And anything worth having will require a fight. That is simply His doctrine. Christ didn't have it easy, so why should we?  The difference is, though, that because He loved us so much, He isn't going to let us walk this path alone. Not for you, Zack. Or for anyone else. God loves us so very much. And His love is perfect, and all enveloping. And when times get unbelievably hard, you can take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. We are heirs of divinity, sons and daughters of the promise. And the pathway, although not always easy, is possible. And our Heavenly Father's promises are sure. So hang on. Notwithstanding all the evils and the world, and the fact that Satan will fight for whatever leverage he can get, if we will remain faithful, all of our losses will be made up. Every pain, hurt, trial and tribulation. All of it will be overcome through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Hang in there, Zack. Hang in there, Aerie. You've almost made it. Salvation and exaltation are not easy to attain. But they are worth every effort. As difficult as it may seem, if you can remain faithful now, one day you will look back and thank your Heavenly Father for this opportunity to prove yourself and with His guiding hand, to be made strong. And because of it, He will bless you forevermore. I promise you that. God's love is perfect, and it is pure. Baptism is the way. Joy is the reward. And His peace endureth forever. So hang on. Please, Just hang on. Because it will all be worth it. Every last bit of soul staunching effort.

Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him, and I know that his promises are sure, and that his miracles, predicated on obedience, will come to pass, if we will put our absolute trust in Him. This is His church. And if you want to do more than find out about Jesus Christ, but in turn, find out who He is, than this is where you must go to find His doctrine, and His truth. His peace. And His Authority. Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, for marvelous are his ways, and the extent of His doings, none can find out. Beside Him there is no Savior, and my will is His to command.