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For part of the translation, Joseph Smith used a seer stone.
He placed it in a hat so he could see more clearly. |
Miracles, Evidence, and the Power of God
by John Fisher (assisted by AI)
One of the most powerful testimonies in scripture comes from a man who had been blind from birth. When questioned and criticized for accepting a miracle that others could not explain—or would not accept—his answer was simple and unassailable: “Whereas I was blind, now I see.”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk, “And Now I See,” invites us to consider that same kind of evidence-based faith. Not faith built on argument or eloquence, but faith grounded in lived experience. As Elder Holland teaches, God brings about His miracles in whatever way He chooses. Sometimes those ways are majestic and unmistakable. Other times, they are plain, unexpected, or even unsettling to human logic.
I share his conviction. The bringing forth of the Book of Mormon was no less a miracle than the healing of the blind man. The same God who used spittle and clay to open mortal eyes used His power—and a young man named Joseph Smith—to bring forth scripture that has opened spiritual eyes across the world, including my own.
Evidence of God’s Ways
In John chapter 9, the Savior does not debate theology with the Pharisees. He does not explain how the miracle will work. He simply acts. He mixes clay, anoints the man’s eyes, and sends him to wash. The miracle follows obedience, not comprehension.
This story teaches a vital truth: God is not constrained by our expectations of how miracles should occur. As Elder Holland reminds us, we often struggle when divine help comes through ordinary instruments—through plain people, simple means, or unexpected processes.
History is filled with examples of humanity resisting God’s chosen methods:
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Naaman rejecting the Jordan River.
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Israelites refusing to look at the serpent on the staff.
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Critics dismissing a book of scripture because of how it came forth rather than what it testifies of.
Yet God continues to work through the humble and the unlikely. A baby in a manger. Fishermen as apostles. A young, unlearned farm boy in New York. And pages in a book that testify—clearly and powerfully—of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Mormon as Miracle
For Elder Holland, the Book of Mormon became his sight-giving miracle. Not through clay or water, but through words, witness, and the Spirit. I echo that testimony without hesitation.
The Book of Mormon has been a rod of safety for my soul. It has clarified my understanding of the Savior’s universal love, His redeeming grace, and His ongoing involvement in human history. When darkness and confusion arise—as they inevitably do—it has provided light, direction, and reassurance.
Critics have long attacked the manner of its coming forth, labeling it impractical or implausible. But the explanation has always been the same: it was translated “by the gift and power of God.” That statement is not evasive. It is declarative. God does not submit His miracles to peer review. He reveals them to hearts willing to see.
My Testimony
Like the healed man, I cannot deny what I have experienced. The evidence is not theoretical. It is personal. I have seen lives changed, faith strengthened, and understanding deepened through the Book of Mormon’s witness of Jesus Christ.
God has that power. He can heal with clay and spittle. And just as surely, He can bring forth scripture through His chosen servant. The method does not diminish the miracle. It declares it.
Where I once had questions, now I have clarity. Where I once sought proof, now I recognize evidence. And like Elder Holland, I say with confidence: I once was blind, but now I see.
Quotes for Reflection
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“Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”
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“That the works of God should be made manifest.”
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“God can bless us by whatever method He chooses.”
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“Some things are both plain and precious.”
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“The impact of the Book of Mormon in my life is no less miraculous than was the application of spit and dirt placed on the blind man’s eyes.”
It has been hurled at me that the means by which this book came to be were impractical, unbelievable, embarrassing, even unholy. Now, that is harsh language from anyone who presumes to know the means by which the book came to be, inasmuch as the only description given about those means is that it was translated “by the gift and power of God.”
Questions for Follow-Up
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How do I respond when God’s answers come in plain or unexpected ways?
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Am I more focused on how a miracle happens—or that it happens?
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What evidence of God’s hand have I personally experienced that I cannot deny?
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How has the Book of Mormon influenced my understanding of Jesus Christ?
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In what ways might I be dismissing divine help because it arrives “in disguise”?
Like the man in Jerusalem, I offer my witness plainly. God lives. Jesus is the Christ. And the Book of Mormon stands as a modern miracle—no less real, no less powerful, and no less divine than sight restored to blind eyes.
References:
Holland, J. R. (2025, October). And now I see. General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/41holland?lang=eng
Dirkmaat, G. J., & MacKay, M. H. (2023, April 21). How the translation of the gold plates took place. LDS Living. https://www.ldsliving.com/how-the-translation-of-the-gold-plates-took-place/s/11461
Henrichsen, K. B. (2007, July). What did the golden plates look like? New Era. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2007/07/what-did-the-golden-plates-look-like?lang=eng
Hashtags:
#AndNowISee
#BookOfMormon
#ModernMiracles
#FaithAndEvidence
#Testimony
Labels: Book of Mormon, evidence of faith, Jeffry R. Holland, Jesus Christ, miracles
The Power of Spiritual Momentum: A Call to Strengthen Faith and End Conflict
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| Moses and the burning bush. Image created by chatGPT. |
Summarized by John Fisher (assisted by AI)
In his address The Power of Spiritual Momentum, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers five specific actions to help individuals build and sustain positive spiritual momentum. His message emphasizes faith, personal growth, and the importance of ending conflict in our lives. Through powerful stories, scriptural insights, and heartfelt invitations, he encourages listeners to strengthen their relationship with God and experience the blessings of spiritual progress.
Summary
President Nelson begins by acknowledging the challenges of life, including personal trials and global conflicts. He speaks of the suffering caused by war and emphasizes that, while we cannot control world events, we can control our own actions. He urges listeners to seek peace in their hearts, homes, and communities.
Using the analogy of momentum in sports, President Nelson illustrates how small actions can create lasting spiritual progress. He outlines five key actions to build and maintain positive spiritual momentum:
1. Get on the covenant path and stay there.
President Nelson emphasizes that walking the covenant path is the surest way to gain spiritual strength. The covenant path begins with baptism, where individuals make their first promise to follow Christ. Through additional sacred ordinances performed in temples, individuals deepen their commitment to God and receive divine power. Staying on the covenant path requires faithfulness to commandments, regular participation in the sacrament, and continual spiritual growth. He reassures those who may have strayed that it is never too late to return. The covenant path is the road to exaltation and eternal life, providing strength and guidance in an increasingly turbulent world.
2. Discover the joy of daily repentance.
Repentance is often misunderstood as something to be feared or delayed, but President Nelson reframes it as a joyful process of growth and renewal. He explains that repentance is not a sign of failure but an essential part of spiritual momentum. As individuals recognize their shortcomings and seek to improve daily, they draw closer to Christ, who lovingly provides healing and strength. He warns that delaying repentance allows the adversary to increase misery in our lives, whereas sincere repentance brings peace, freedom, and relief. President Nelson urges all to embrace repentance as a daily opportunity to align their lives more fully with God’s will and to experience His love in greater abundance.
3. Learn about God and how He works.
Understanding God’s character and His ways is crucial for spiritual progress. President Nelson warns that the world is filled with counterfeit philosophies and misleading messages, making it essential to seek truth directly from God through scripture study, prayer, and worship. He highlights the example of Moses, who recognized and rejected Satan’s deception because he had experienced God’s presence. The ability to discern truth comes from regular spiritual nourishment—reading the scriptures, attending church, and seeking inspiration through prayer. President Nelson urges individuals to prioritize their relationship with God, ensuring that faith is built on a firm foundation rather than worldly distractions.
4. Seek and expect miracles.
Miracles are not just events of the past; they continue today for those who exercise faith. President Nelson assures that God has not ceased to be a God of miracles, and He stands ready to bless those who believe. He recounts biblical and scriptural examples of divine intervention, from the parting of the Red Sea to Nephi retrieving the brass plates. While miracles may not always come in the way or timeframe we expect, they do happen for those who diligently seek them. He invites listeners to pray for miracles in their own lives and to trust in God’s timing. Recognizing and acknowledging God’s hand in our lives fuels spiritual momentum, reinforcing faith and trust in Him.
5. End conflict in your personal life.
One of the most powerful aspects of President Nelson’s message is his urgent plea to end personal conflicts. He calls on individuals to let go of resentment, bitterness, and anger. Whether in families, friendships, or communities, unresolved conflict can be a major obstacle to spiritual growth. Christ commanded His followers to forgive and love their enemies, even when it feels difficult or unjustified. President Nelson reminds that forgiveness is not about condoning wrongdoing but about freeing oneself from the burdens of anger and pain. As Easter approaches, he invites everyone to seek reconciliation, viewing it as a meaningful way to honor the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Letting go of conflict allows for increased peace, unity, and personal spiritual progress.
Five Quotes from the Speech
1. “We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying.”
2. “If you feel you have strayed off the covenant path too far or too long and have no way to return, that simply is not true.”
3. “Few things will accelerate your spiritual momentum more than realizing the Lord is helping you to move a mountain in your life.”
4. “I invite you to seek an end to a personal conflict that has weighed you down. Could there be a more fitting act of gratitude to Jesus Christ for His Atonement?”
5. “God lives! Jesus is the Christ! He lives! He loves us and will help us.”
Conclusion
President Nelson’s message is a profound call to action for all who seek spiritual growth. By embracing repentance, strengthening faith, and striving for peace, individuals can harness the power of spiritual momentum. His promise is clear: those who follow these principles will gain increased resilience, greater unity, and a stronger relationship with God. As Easter approaches, he encourages everyone to take steps toward reconciliation and faith, ensuring that they move forward with spiritual strength and purpose.
Hashtags: #SpiritualMomentum #FaithInChrist #PowerOfForgiveness #SeekMiracles #EndConflict
Reference
Nelson, R. M. (2022, April). The power of spiritual momentum. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/47nelson?lang=eng
Labels: faith, forgiveness, miracles, repentance, spiritual momentum
