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.