Thinking about Revelation….

Chipman family with Elder Anderson

I’ve been thinking alot about revelation lately as President Chipman and I try to do this work in God’s way rather than our own. I’d like to share some of what I have learned.

After we were called to serve as mission leaders, we had the opportunity to meet with Elder Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in his office to be set apart in Salt Lake City.  It was an amazing experience because I have never had an opportunity to be with an apostle in such an intimate setting before.  Afterwards, he asked us if we had any questions that we would like to ask.  I immediately responded because I’ve had a question on my mind for years, so I asked, “When you were called to be an Apostle, how did you receive that special witness?” A special witness is a sure knowledge that Jesus is the Christ.

I had heard rumors of huge manifestations where Jesus appears to newly called apostles in the temple, but I never could find anything written about it by one who had actually experienced it. 

Elder Anderson looked at me and chuckled and then said that I ask hard questions.  He then got serious and explained that it didn’t happen overnight, but rather it  was a process of seeking, repenting, searching, and praying until over time, his knowledge of the Savior grew until he knew with a sure knowledge.

I was not expecting this answer, because it seemed so ordinary like something we all are taught to do when we seek revelation in our lives.  I had thought an apostle of the Lord would receive a sure knowledge in a dramatic fashion.

But then I thought, why would it be different for an apostle than it is for me? God has always encouraged all of us to know him and recognize him so why would he put limits on revelation to those who honestly seek for this knowledge?  Even those who met Christ in person and saw his works and miracles when he lived on the earth had to learn for themselves whether he was indeed the son of God or not.

Elder Bednar has taught that there are two basic patterns for personal revelation in our lives. The first pattern is very dramatic. It is like a light being turned on in a dark room. It is when we receive a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once. Those are the ones we hear about frequently in our lessons on Sunday and in the Scriptures. However, this pattern of revelation tends to be more rare than common.

The other pattern of revelation can be compared to the sun rising on a  cloudy morning. It is difficult to notice any changes in the light because it is so gradual, but one can see a new day. In a similar way, we can receive revelation without knowing precisely how or when it came.  In these times, we need to be careful that we recognize it with gratitude as well as utilize it.

We live in a very confusing world right now and it is comforting to know that God is always trying to reach out to us and provide us guidance and direction. I am so grateful for this knowledge.  As I look back on my life, I recognize his hand all along the way and that is why I can trust him as I look towards my future.  I love the words of Elder Christofferson when he said so well, “ I rely heavily on that access to God, which he gives to all his children for he is indeed no respecter of persons, and he that asks shall receive.