Patterns of Prophets

Yesterday we were tracting and knocked on a very nice ladies door! We chatted with her for a little bit and she started to tell us that Joseph Smith didn't know what he was talking about and if we had done more research we wouldn't believe in what he said he saw and wouldn't be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her comments got my companion and I both thinking especially about Joseph Smith. I have prayed to know if what he experienced was true and received an answer that I cannot deny or back down from. I spent this morning studying particularly why Joseph Smith is attacked and how I can answer when someone asks us why Heavenly Father would talk to a 14 year old boy.

God works in patterns. He has a pattern of apostasy and then calling prophets to receive revelation and proclaim his word. Many of these prophets were called as young men to be prophets. A few bible examples include David and Jeremiah. In 1 Samuel 16 we learn that David was young when he went up against Goliath. All the other "men" in the army were scared of Goliath. When David tells Saul that he would go Saul tells him, "Thou art but a youth and he a man of war since his youth." (1 Samuel 17:33) David knew he was small but knew that if he relied on the strength of the Lord that he could do anything that was asked of him. He went against him and succeeded. David was called in his youth to be a prophet.

Jeremiah was called of God from his young age and he defiantly felt inadequate. "I cannot speak: for I am a child." (Jeremiah 1:6) Because he was so young Heavenly Father knew that he would rely on him to do his work. He wasn't marred by the world and by experience that gave him his own wisdom. He had to rely on the Lord to do his works.

So is it no surprise that after centuries of darkness Heavenly Father would call a young boy to be the prophet to restore His gospel back to the Earth? Joseph was asking. He had a real intent on acting on the answer that he received. He had been prepared and was ready to be an instrument in Gods hands. He knew acted in faith when he prayed and knew that he would get an answer if he asked. The other preachers in the time thought that God no longer spoke to his children, thus they weren't asking questions.

I know that Joseph Smith saw what he said he saw! He gave his life for it! Sometimes people believe that we worship him, I can say that is not true! We respect him for what he did and what he stood for! He was and is a Prophet of God! I know that is true! If you struggle with knowing follow his example and ask! There is no better person to ask about God or his gospel that God himself! I know that he will answer you! He answered Joseph, he has answered me and I know he will answer you if you sincerely seek and follow the guidance that he gives!!!