How long does it take?

 Years ago, during my first stint as an Elder's Quorum President, (first of three!!), I had a counselor, who I'll call Darryl.  Darryl was a great guy; energetic, friendly, and his father was my stake president when I served mission.  We had the responsibility of confirming a man as the second counselor in our presidency.

So we knelt down in a room in the church building and said a prayer asking for confirmation.  As we got up, I asked, "Well?"

"It doesn't happen that fast." Was Darryl's reply.

I've thought hard and long about this little conversation we had. To be honest, I'm still not sure who was right or wrong that day ( maybe we were both right?....or both wrong? ). Significantly though, most speakers in General Conference talk about being patient in the face of the Lord's timing.  That you may ask, but the Lord responds as and when He deigns it. 

In response to the call to patience, I give you some collected passages from talks given by Elder Boyd K Packer.  Here are some of my favourites.

From Oct 1979, Prayers and Answers

"Answers to prayers come in a quiet way. The scriptures describe that voice of inspiration as a still, small voice.  If you really try, you can learn to respond to that voice.”

“You can know the things you need to know instantly! Learn to receive inspiration.”

From April 1975, An Appeal

“There is a sacred process by which pure intelligence may be conveyed into our minds and we can come to know instantly things that otherwise would take a long period of time to acquire. He can speak inspiration into our minds, especially when we are humble and seeking.”

“In the eyes of the Lord, everyone may be a winner. Now it is true that we must earn it; but if there is competition in His work, it is not with another soul—it’s with our own former selves.  I do not say that it is easy. I am not talking about appearing to change. I am talking about changing. I do not say it is easy. I say it is possible and quickly possible.”

From April 1997, Washed Clean

“The study of behaviour is greatly improved when linked to standards and to values. Practical values, useful in everyday life, are found in the scriptures and the doctrines they reveal.”

“You need not know everything before the power of the Atonement will work for you. Have faith in Christ; it begins to work the day you ask!”

Elder Packer uses words like 'instantly' and 'quickly' to describe spiritual processes that we typically think take longer amounts of time. Can we believe that the Lord will answer our pleas quickly? 

Lastly, consider Alma the Younger.  He was a very, very bad guy.  Take a moment to consider what he was doing.  He was actively working to destroy the Church.  And in three days he was forgiven and became a most awesome Church leader.  Three days!  How long do you and I let our past sins and mistakes haunt us? How long do you feel it takes to repent?

Yes we should wait patiently on the Lord, but we should exercise faith and look for Him to act quickly on our behalf too.

Conference Questions

 This past week as I've read Conference talks, I took time to copy down the questions our leaders asked of us back in October. Usually, the speakers would answer the question with a scripture or a story. I felt that this week it might prove beneficial for us to consider some of the questions asked independently of the answers given during Conference.  

I'd ask you to take time this week to seriously consider the questions you and I were asked just a few short months ago.

Elder Bednar

"What have we learned during these recent months of lifestyle adjustments and restrictions?"

"What do we need to improve in our lives spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually?"

Pres Oaks

"How do we keep these divine commandments [to love God and man] in a world where we are also subject to the laws of man?"

"...how do we do this—especially how do we learn to love our adversaries and our enemies?"

Elder Christofferson

"What are the fundamentals that sustain a flourishing society, one that promotes happiness, progress, peace, and well-being among its members?"

Elder Gong

"How else can we refresh, inspire, and edify the human spirit?"

Elder Uchtdorf

"How many times in the early years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did the Saints despair and wonder if God had forgotten them?"

"Do you think He is any less concerned about you today?"

Pres Oaks

"How did it happen for the pioneers?" 

"How will it happen to women of God today?"

Pres Nelson

"Have you grown closer to the Lord, or do you feel further away from Him?"

"And how have current events made you feel about the future?"

"How are we to deal with both the somber prophecies and the glorious pronouncements about our day?"

"If preparation is our key to embracing this dispensation and our future with faith, how can we best prepare?"

Elder Soares

"Can you imagine, my brothers and sisters, what would happen if we were to derive strength and courage from the Savior and say, “No” and “Get thee hence” to unvirtuous thoughts that very first moment they come into our minds?"

"What would be the impact on the desires of our hearts?"

"How would our resulting actions keep us close to the Savior and allow the continued influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives?"

Elder Anderson

"How are we to respond to our changing world?"

"What more are we to do?"

"If a renewed study of the Savior helped prepare President Nelson, could it not help prepare us as well?"

"If the world is going to speak less of Him, who is going to speak more of Him?"

"Are there images of the Savior in our homes?"

Pres Nelson

"...to whom will we be led when we plead to find those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives?"

"Are you willing to let God prevail in your life?"

"Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life?"

"Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day?"

"Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other?"

"Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition?"

"Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?"

"...how does the Lord feel about people who will let God prevail?"

"And what is the Lord willing to do for Israel?"

Elder Stevenson

"...how do we heal, endure, and move forward when things seem so broken?"

Elder Renlund

"Am I doing enough?"

"What else should I be doing?