This was a perspective changing experience for me when I was debating to go on a mission many moons ago. I remember there came a point when I really wanted to serve, but didn't receive "an answer" to go. Though I had been praying about it, nothing hit me, there were no whisperings of the spirit, and so I was sad. I really wanted to go, and I thought that I must have been getting my "no" answer. It was a Sunday and I walked across my old bishop who was the current Stake President. I greeted him and he asked how I had been. I replied, "I really want to go on a mission, but I think I got the no answer." He quickly pulled me aside and whipped out D&C 4:3 and read it to me. "If ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work." Bishop Corrigon then asked me again, "Do you have desires to go on a mission?" I replied "YES!" . "Then go." He answered.
Two weeks later my papers were in. And I never looked back since. I will never regret that decision. There written on my mission plaque was my new favorite scripture- D&C 4:3. Though difficult, I loved that mission, and I await many more.
I realize that this really is how God works with me. If ye have desires to do something good, then pray about it and go for it! And if God sees a better alternative for me, then he will stop me. He really will give me a "no" and I now know what that "NO" feeling is like. It feels right, though it is clear in my mind that no means no.
I think I know why God cautioned us to not be compelled in all things. He really wants us to participate in this amazing decision-making part of life-- and see that a masterpiece of a life can be its result. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father for allowing me to take part in decisions, though at times I wished he did tell me everything I was supposed to do. Choice is a wonderful gift. And if not used more than when being compelled, a lot of great experiences can be missed.
I am excited for the future and what will be. I hope for many good things, and if it be His will, then let it be.
6 comments:
Did our crazy family scare you into blogging this?
What a great post. Thanks for sharing that and how you feel. Hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving!
I found you at last! I couldn't remember your blog url but found it in a really old e-mail!
You guys are having so much fun out there! That's awesome.
You two are amazing! Thank you for your shining examples!
Let us check if this feature of comments-leaving works in Russia )))
Yeah, Genaya, that was a hard mission!!! Climb up and 'katatsa' down the hill (in ol' good Nakhodka in winter, remember?)) Haha.
And I wonder if you had good companions... Come'on, now you can tell me the truth!!
haha, julia, you were an angel sent from heaven!
Haha. You are Funny! It's true though.
However, I was the 'blessedest' person in this case -- I always feel good when I think what outstanding companions I had!! Thank you! (Oh no, I am not ready to cry now...)
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