A Tender Mercy - We Must Act

In last month's issue of the Ensign, there is an article written by Elder Richard G. Scott entitled "Agency and Answers Recognizing Revelation".  As I read his words, I could hear his gentle voice as if he was speaking just to me. This article contains an answer to one of my unspoken prayers.

We have been praying for direction in regards to what Randy is to for a career. This has included prayers of getting into grad school, prayers for specific jobs, prayers to know if grad school is what he should be striving for, prayers to know what God's will is for us as a family, and yet the Heavens seem silent. Eventually an answer came simply Just keep moving forward. But what does that mean? Forward where? We are stretched in so many different directions, concerns about our future, how will we keep our marriage strong if we are constantly so many hundreds of miles apart, or what if he is to take a job or grad school position in another part of the country what then? How can we start and nourish a family if we never live together for more then a few months at at time? Why does nothing in regards to Randy's career goals never seem to work out the way we want it? 

Elder Scott said, "When we explain a problem and a proposed solution, sometimes He answers yes, sometimes no. Often He withholds an answer, not for lack of concern, but because He loves us - perfectly. He wants us to apply truths He has given us. For us to grow, we need to trust our ability to make correct decisions. We need to do what we feel is right. In time, He will answer. He will not fail us."

As I read this I realized I needed to have more trust in ourselves and our ability to make correct choices and trust that God won't let us get too far down the wrong path. Elder Scott then gives three suggestions to find answers- Look for Evidence that He has already Answered you, Pay attention to Feelings, and finally Act When He Withholds an Answer. It is this last section that is helping me better understand the nature of God. 

"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."

Even with this deepened understanding, I still must put forth daily diligent effort to act. It can be difficult to act with purpose when it is so easy to get caught up in the cares of the day or when outcomes are out of my control. As I have no control over whether or not Randy gets employment I must focus on the things I can control- keeping my covenants, reading my scriptures, encouraging Randy and those around me, striving to become more like Christ, learning to act on other promptings from the Holy Ghost, remembering the times that God has answered my prayers and believing that in His time He will also answer this prayer. 

If you would like to read this inspiring article in its completeness click here