"Beyond the Bubble Gum Machine" tells an account of one woman's lesson on faith and blessings. The short version is she learned that blessings do not work like a bubble gum machine where you put in faith or a good act and immediately a blessing pops out. Blessings come after the trial of our faith and only by the Lord's will.
I have had this same lesson recently, though I did not think of the experience as a bubble gum machine. Looking back on the lesson I can say with a certainty, I had this bubble gum machine mentality. What is different about our experiences, mine occurred a few years after being a member of the church, while the woman's occurred shortly after becoming a member. It is a little disappointing for me to realize that I had this mentality, but I know I needed to learn this lesson.
The scripture verse that has taken me out of the mentality and helped me gain a better testimony is 2 Nephi 31:19-21. I may have mentioned this scripture before, but these particular verses, I believe, embody what latter day saints believe.
2 Nephi 31:19-21 say:
"19: And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. 20: Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. 21: And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen."I received this scripture verse after hearing my local stake presidency use it in a talk and visiting the temple later that week. To my surprise, a speaker at the General Women's Broadcast on the 29th of this month also referenced this scripture. This scripture has helped me persevere through the hard times I had recently and keep my faith. I truly know that we will be blessed and happy if we press forward through our trials.
This scripture and experience with the sister missionaries and the broadcast inspired and humbled me. I have a testimony of this church and I will not be shaken from it. I know many people who are not members complain about how much we try to convert others and share our faith. I can give you the reason why we can get a bit over zealous about sharing our faith: Happiness! I know those of us who are truly living the gospel are very happy and we want others to feel the happiness we are blessed with everyday. Now that you know, I hope you will understand a bit more and forgive us if we seem excited to share the gospel with you.
