The Counsel of Prophets in Our Lives — Helaman 13–16
Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon 2024 (September 9-16)
Given our study of Samuel, the Lamanite prophet, and the birthday celebration of President Nelson, I’ve pondered this week how prophets have helped me do hard divinely better. What prophetic words and teachings have strengthened me or given me answers in difficult situations? What truths do I rely on that have been delivered by these chosen messengers from God to help me return to Him?
Here are a few from my list.
Lehi’s dream is my favorite metaphor for the purpose of life. The tree of life, the path, the rod, the mists of darkness, the great and spacious building–all give me a heavenly map where I can track my progression and my regression. It reminds me, regularly, life is not a straight line of perfection. It’s messy with many detours but the path and the rod are constantly available.
President Spencer Kimball signed my mission call to the Toulouse France mission and those 18 months were some of the hardest of my life. My love of quiche, baguettes, millefeuilles and brie could not erase the disappointment of zero baptisms. But I left my testimony at the doorstep of hundreds of lovely French men and women, especially the message of the restored church and the gift of a modern-day prophet, a watchman for our time.
The influence of President Nelson on me, as a physician, and a prophet is profound. Upon reflection, his messages that have helped me most do hard divinely better are these:
“But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
“When the focus of our lives is on God's plan of salvation ... and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening — or not happening — in our lives.”
“Jesus is always the answer.”
What wise and wonderful counsel prophets give us! Who can you trust more?
Do Hard Divinely Better Lesson #34: Make a list of how prophets help you do hard better.