I taught the lesson in Gospel Doctrine today as a substitute for Brother Wittiman who had to be out of town. The lesson focused on the lives of Elisabeth, Zacharias, John the Baptist, Mary, and Joseph. Studying the lives of each of these people has greatly enriched my testimony. Each of them played such a crucial role in bringing forth the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
One question from the lesson stuck out to me. As we were talking about the Elisabeth and Zacharias, the quiestion the manual posed was:
Zacharias and Elisabeth had probably prayed for many years that they would be blessed with a child. However, Heavenly Father did not grant them this blessing until the time was right to accomplish his purposes.) How can we remain faithful and avoid discouragement when our sincere prayers are not immediately answered in the way we desire?
There were many great answers brought forth from the class. Some of the answers brought forward were:
- Count your many blessings. Focus on what the Lord already has blessed you with
- Serve others. As you serve others you can find joy while you wait upon the Lord
- Rethink the blessing you are asking for. Is what you are asking really what is best for you?
- Talk to others who are faithful to help strengthen your faith. Turn to others and lean on those around you to help you carry your burden.
- Prepare yourself more fully to receive the blessing you are seeking. Consider that you may need to make preparations or changes in your life before the blessing you are seeking can be realized
- Be willing to accept the Lords will if He is saying no. The Lord may or may not choose to bless you with your desire in this life. So be willing to take what ever answer he gives you. This will build your faith that He really knows what is best for you and in the end is able to give you better things than you can imagine for yourself.
I thought each of these answers showed a great depth of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As we mature spiritually, we find ourselves more willing to submit to whatever the Lords will is. And the more we do this, the more we “Magnify” Him as Mary did.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.