We are Never Alone

I would like to share my testimony about scripture study. I think one of my favorite parts about the mission is the time that I get to study each and every morning. I have been reading the Book of Mormon in Portuguese and it just is so powerful. I love being able to study for someone else's needs, which in return reaches my needs. As I was studying.. I found a scripture that really gave me strength and made me think about how we are never alone, no matter how alone we may feel. I was having a rough day, and then I read this scripture and it was so powerful to me. The scripture is Mosiah 24:12-14... it reads...

12 - And Alma and His people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.

13 - And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: LIFT UP YOUR HEADS AND BE OF GOOD COMFORT, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

14 - And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

This life is probably (in my opinion) THE hardest stage of the Plan that God has made for us. But we need to know that it is also the smallest stage. It is so short compared to what is behind us, and the Eternity that is in front of us. I just want to share my testimony to you guys that I know that we are not alone. I know that this life has challenges, trials, and is absolutely difficult, but I know that we are not alone. I love the phrase that the Lord says.. `Lift up your hearts and be of good comfort`.. then goes on to tell them that he will ´ease the burdens which are put upon our shoulders, that we even we cannot feel them upon our backs.. and that He, the Lord God, does visit His people in their afflictions.´ What a blessing! Christ has already lifted our burdens from the past, is lifting our burdens now, and will always lift our burdens if we just have faith in Him and humble ourselves to Him and His perfect Atonement that He has already done for us. Heavenly Father is so aware of us and we truly do have a loving Savior. When we are down and feel alone and discouraged.. it is through our Savior that we are picked back up, nourished, strengthen, and put on our feet to walk again in faith. I am so grateful for Christ. I am grateful for His atonement, that not only cures our sins and weaknesses, but heals our broken hearts, and nourishes our souls when we need His love, and His comfort. I am grateful for His love.. for His faith... and for His Mission. It is through Him, and only Him that we can obtain the highest gift of God. The rules are simple and the way is easy.. submit with faith, and through our humility, Christ can help us through our battles, trials, or challenges that this life brings. I am so grateful for this knowledge and grateful for the opportunity that I have to teach and help others understand more perfectly the knowledge of our Savior and His Gospel. This mission is a blessing in my life, and I truly do not feel alone here.

Please know that I love you and miss you guys! Thanks for all you do!! 

Love, your favorite missionary.. Sky.. Elder Abel (: