For those of you not familiar with the prophet, Joseph Smith’s “first vision”, I’ll start with a short video that depicts it along with his writings. Joseph Smith was the first prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). An important note is that in the video below, it doesn’t depict how Satan tried to overcome Joseph Smith before Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to him. For a full account, you can read his history here.
My thoughts on first vision
I think that the first vision is a testimony that God works through small and simple things that challenge the worlds’ views. Joseph Smith was an unlearned boy of only 14 years. He couldn’t write well and didn’t attend school. However, he had great faith and desire to know God’s will and he was humble and sincere by asking. He didn’t just flippantly pray on a whim. Rather, he had pondered things in his mind and heart for months and perhaps years and on his own came to the conclusion that only God can give him the wisdom he needs.
I would do well to apply this in my life. Daily. Remember that I am nothing and if I want wisdom and strength to overcome Satan’s power and also know what God wants me to be and do, I need to ponder in my mind and sincerely ask for strength and guidance.
Principles learned from First Vision
1. God answers the humble prayer of an honest seeker
2. Heavenly Father is separate from Jesus and loves Jesus as a son
3. Jesus is Heavenly Father’s messenger and does what Father wants him to do.
4. Satan is real and tries to hinder our progression
5. If we’re tempted, it takes effort on our part to exercise faith and call upon God. Only God can dispel Satan through our faithfulness. If we have God with us, Satan has no power.
6. Satan is more powerful than we are alone. We need God to overcome Satan.
7. Be humble and God can work miracles with us.
What are your thoughts on the first vision and what other principles can we learn and apply to our lives?
Grace for Grace 
4 comments
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October 25, 2014 at 4:25 am
Wonderdog
I spoke in church on the First Vision as a promotion for Early Morning Seminary attendance. One of my observations was that God loves teenagers.
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October 27, 2014 at 7:58 am
vivian
I enjoyed this post! Speaking from experience, I can testify to the miracles that abound when one is humble and open in their personal prayers. A year ago, I was heartbroken and prayed a prayer for guidance. I was prompted to go to the temple visitors center, and it changed my life. I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for a year on December 21, 2014. I had built up so many walls, but the spirit can gently push through those walls, once we are in the right place.
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October 27, 2014 at 11:16 am
Cal
Interesting, Vivian. I can relate to your story of working through walls by prayer and detecting the presence of God.
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October 27, 2014 at 11:19 am
Cal
The principles GraceforGrace draws from Joseph’s famous vision will sail anybody’s boat.
For me, the vision also shows the Father and Son working together in one spirit (the Holy Spirit).
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