3. Act When He Withholds an Answer
It is vitally important to recognize that the Lord also responds a third way to prayer by withholding an answer when the prayer is offered. Why would He do that?
He
is our perfect Father. He loves us beyond our capacity to understand.
He knows what is best for us. He sees the end from the beginning. He
wants us to act to gain needed experience:
When He answers yes, it is to give us confidence.
When He answers no, it is to prevent error.
When He withholds an answer,
it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His
commandments, and a willingness to act on truth. We are expected to
assume accountability by acting on a decision that is consistent with
His teachings without prior confirmation. We are not to sit passively
waiting or to murmur because the Lord has not spoken. We are to act."
So, the decision was made.
I was moving.
But I was sad. I still feel I have so many things I could do here. I love my mom so much and I'm having a hard time leaving her. I feel that I may be disappointing some people in leaving. All of these emotions were hitting me last week, and I couldn't control the feelings of regret and worry. Again, I chose to fast to help me know if I should stay a little longer.
I went for a walk after a day of fasting and had the distinct impression to call my grandpa, who was visiting our town for a week. I asked him if he could give me some advice. He said, "sure, kid", and he came and picked me up in about an hour. We drove to a secluded place and talked. I shared with him my list of pros and cons of moving now vs. moving in a little while. He listened for a long time as I cried and shared my confusion. Then he shared his feelings on the matter. He felt I should prioritize my husband and immediate family and not give so much heed to the opinions of those outside that circle. He said, "what do you want?" I told him, after thinking for a minute, that I wanted to make everyone happy. He laughed and explained that I couldn't do that.
I told him of how I had attended church in Kanab and felt the Spirit wash over me and envelop me like a blanket. He said, "Well, why do you think the Lord gave you that sign?". I answered that I knew it was right for us to go. My grandpa encouraged me to stick with the decision my husband and I had made, and not look back! He said, "I don't want you to call me and say you have changed your mind again. Stick with it, kid."
He was an answer to my prayers that day. He gave me strength to stand firm in my choice.
The next morning, I read another wonderful article by Elder Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance", from the October 2009 General Conference. In it, he shares the following:
"The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by
strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such
influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor
of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but
one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions
overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit."
What a great description! I think my fears and emotions had been overpowering the influence from the spirit.
Here is another experience he shares in this article:
"Now
I share an experience that taught me a way to gain spiritual guidance.
One Sunday I attended the priesthood meeting of a Spanish branch in
Mexico City. I vividly recall how a humble Mexican priesthood leader
struggled to communicate the truths of the gospel in his lesson
material. I noted the intense desire he had to share those principles he
strongly valued with his quorum members. He recognized that they were
of great worth to the brethren present. In his manner, there was an
evidence of a pure love of the Savior and love of those he taught.
His
sincerity, purity of intent, and love permitted a spiritual strength to
envelop the room. I was deeply touched. Then I began to receive
personal impressions as an extension of the principles taught by that
humble instructor. They were personal and related to my assignments in
the area. They came in answer to my prolonged, prayerful efforts to
learn.
As
each impression came, I carefully wrote it down. In the process, I was
given precious truths that I greatly needed in order to be a more
effective servant of the Lord. The details of the communication are
sacred and, like a patriarchal blessing, were for my individual benefit.
I was given specific directions, instructions, and conditioned promises
that have beneficially altered the course of my life."
He shares how this happened again in another Sunday School class:
"strong
impressions began to flow to me again. I wrote them down. The message
included specific counsel on how to become more effective as an
instrument in the hands of the Lord. I received such an outpouring of
impressions that were so personal that I felt it was not appropriate to
record them in the midst of a Sunday School class. I sought a more
private location, where I continued to write the feelings that flooded
into my mind and heart as faithfully as possible. After each powerful
impression was recorded, I pondered the feelings I had received to
determine if I had accurately expressed them in writing. As a result, I
made a few minor changes to what had been written. Then I studied their
meaning and application in my own life.
Subsequently
I prayed, reviewing with the Lord what I thought I had been taught by
the Spirit. When a feeling of peace came, I thanked Him for the guidance
given. I was then impressed to ask, “Was there yet more to be given?” I
received further impressions, and the process of writing down the
impressions, pondering, and praying for confirmation was repeated. Again
I was prompted to ask, “Is there more I should know?” And there was.
When that last, most sacred experience was concluded, I had received
some of the most precious, specific, personal direction one could hope
to obtain in this life. Had I not responded to the first impressions and
recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious
guidance."
I have a testimony that what Elder Scott teaches is true. When we strive to be in tune, the Lord will pour out his spirit upon us and we will receive guidance in our lives, whether we are making big decisions or little ones. I exercised the faith necessary to write down the revelation that came to me that morning, and, like Elder Scott, found it to be precious, personal, and comforting. I kept writing until a child came into the room who was hungry, but I had been given some really beautiful thoughts.
Sister Julie B. Beck:
"The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is
the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life."
I know He will help us in acquiring this skill, and I am profoundly grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost which gives me revelations daily.
