Looking Beyond the Grade

I gained a testimony that the Book of Mormon was a book from God while attending my freshmen year of college. That year, I took a Book of Mormon class which required the students to read the entire book by the end of the semester.  I foolishly procrastinated this assignment until that last few weeks of school which forced me to begin a marathon read of the Book of Mormon. I admit that I started reading the book for the wrong intention – to get a passing grade. But, as I read, I felt a change occur within me. I started reading the book because I liked the way I felt inside when I read it. One day, after walking out of a class, I began reviewing in my mind what still needed to be completed for the day and remembered that I hadn't read in the Book of Mormon. As this thought came to my mind, I recall feeling excited for the opportunity. It didn’t feel like another school assignment anymore. It was something I wanted to do. When I got back to my dorm room and started reading, a powerful warm feeling entered in my chest. It continued to grow until it filled my whole body. I recognized that it was coming from God so I knelt down to pray and thank him. As I was praying, I knew that God was telling me the Book of Mormon was true and from Him. I fervently thanked him for this spiritual confirmation while reveling in the immense joy I felt.

I did finish the book that semester and I did pass the class. But, the most precious thing I gained was a spiritual witness that the Book of Mormon was from God.

Nathan Price
Chula Vista 1st Ward