Why do I have faith?

Some people may wonder if God exists and why other people, like myself believe he does. I would like to share with everyone why I believe in God.

My parents raised me in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I always went to Church with them. However, one thing I will always be grateful to my parents for is that they always told me and my siblings that we had to learn for ourselves if the doctrines we were taught were true.

One day when I was about 14 years old, I was thinking about what I had been taught my whole life and wondered if I knew if it was actually true. As I pondered, I remembered several scriptures from the Bible and Book of Mormon where God says "seek and ye shall find" (Bible: Matthew 7:7-8, Book of Mormon: Moroni 10:3-5). So, I decided to test God at his word. I didn't even know if God was real.

I found a quiet place to be alone for a little while. Then I started to pray how I had been taught. I opened my heart to God and asked him straight out if he was real. Now, how would I know the answer? Also in the scriptures is a description of how God will respond. In the Doctrine and Covenants, section 9 verse 8, it reads:

But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must cask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

That is what I was expecting as I prayed. I expected to feel warm inside, peaceful, happy, or just know that God is real. But I didn't. I felt like I was talking to the clouds. I was really confused. And also frightened. I was worried that my whole life to that point was a lie. However, I am quite stubborn and always verify anything I do or learn.

As I pondered why I hadn't felt anything, I continued to study the scriptures and go to Church. Then one night as I was reading in the Book of Mormon, I was really wondering why I hadn't received an answer. I read this verse, 2 Nephi 2:14. I put my own name in the verse where it says "my sons". I read it like this (emphasis added):

And now, [Emilie], I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon.

As soon as I read this scripture, I knew it was true. I felt like I was being hugged. I felt warm and happy. I knew God answered my prayer. He exists. He is real and loves me. I now know that will all of my heart. I have had many other experiences to confirm this truth to me, but I will never forget this one that was imprinted on my heart.

I testify that God lives. He is our Heavenly Father and knows each of us and our needs personally. He is aware of us and takes care of us. We are the only ones who move away from him. He is always there for us and waits for us to come to him. He loves us.