Be Careful What You Pray For

If you read the end of last month’s post, you know that I’m in a time of trial.  About two months ago, I was feeling like I desired to really have a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and to submit my will completely to God.  I prayed fervently that I could offer my whole soul as an offering to Him. It was two days later that I was hit with a significant challenge.  

Last week, I attended a sibling reunion.  I was raised seventh in a family of ten children, five boys and five girls.  We had a reunion where my brothers and sisters and our spouses spent two days at Lava Hot Springs in Eastern Idaho.  As part of the get-together, we had time for each of us to share what we are studying and learning.  

One of my brothers talked about a time a few years ago when he had prayed for whatever would allow him to have God with him more.  Soon thereafter he had a series of strokes that left him with neurological damage, requiring him to relearn many of the simple tasks most of us take for granted; how to speak, walk, read, etc.  He has since made immense progress and is more at peace with his life than ever.  

One of my sisters told of a time as a young mother when she felt she needed to commit herself more fully to the Lord and His purposes.  Within a few weeks she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which has been a tremendous difficulty for her, but has taught her things she wouldn’t have learned otherwise.  

The timing is interesting.  Elder Bednar once spoke of the tender mercies of the Lord:  I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of his tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them. The Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings. I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us. Each of us can have eyes to see clearly and ears to hear distinctly the tender mercies of the Lord as they strengthen and assist us in these latter days.

Notice that he twice mentioned the Lord’s timing (see italics), which would help us recognize these as the tender mercies of the Lord.  

When I consider these past two months, I wouldn’t have asked for this trial and the associated issues.  But now I realize that it is a tender mercy. It has drawn me closer to God. I’ve become more aware of some parts of me that need healing.  So I’m on that journey.  I’m experiencing a miraculous, perfecting, refiner’s fire.  

To be continued . . . with Part 52