God's Guidance is Gentle
Life is full of difficult decisions, and it is especially acute for young adults. I see our former missionaries and even our own children grapple and try to navigate their education, careers, relationships, and health. They are at pivotal points in their lives where these decisions have a lasting impact, and it is very stressful as they try to decipher their course for enduring happiness.
During these times of extreme difficulty, one may feel frustrated by the lack of heavenly clarity and guidance especially when nothing seems to be happening to bring relief. The other night as I was listening to my daughter Megan’s challenges, she shared with me one of her favorite scriptures that has helped her in the past. It is 1 Nephi 17:13-14:
13 And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.
14 Yea, and the Lord said also that: After ye have arrived in the promised land, ye shall know that I, the Lord, am God; and that I, the Lord did deliver you from destruction; …
I love this scripture because it shows that God really is guiding us ever so gently. He is always preparing a way, even if it is imperceptible to us until we are delivered. As I look back upon the important decisions of my life, I can see that it was indeed by God that I was led. With this knowledge, I can go forward with greater confidence and faith.
This video is a beautiful depiction of this promise of guidance.
