Recently, I had a conversation with a friend about life as a single adult. I mentioned that I attended a singles ward as a young single adult, but in the last several years as a mid-single adult I felt more fulfillment in my homeward. I love my ward. I am given many opportunities for growth and have gained priceless gospel insights from people of various ages and circumstances. I was told by my friend, however, if I did not attend a singles ward or go to their activities I would need to accept the fact I may never marry in this life. Feeling broken and hurt, I mustered up the only comment I knew how to give, “I have accepted that possibility but I am also living my life to the fullest. And I think that is enough.”
That evening I knelt with a heavy heart in prayer. I asked Heavenly Father to help me understand my circumstance and give comfort to my soul. My prayer was answered with a tender mercy as I studied The Book of Mormon.
I opened to 1 Nephi 7 and began reading, prayerfully searching for a message the Lord wanted me to learn. My heart was touched as I read half way into verse one, “… the Lord spake unto him again saying that it was not meet for him, Lehi, that he should take his family into the wilderness alone;…” The Lord knew that the opportunities for finding a spouse in the wilderness were slim. But as I continued to read, I had a better understanding of his plan for Nephi and his brothers.
“…the Lord commanded him that I, Nephi, and my brethren, should again return unto the land of Jerusalem, and bring down Ishmael and his family into the wilderness.” (1 Nephi 7:2)
I recognized that God is a God of Order. Events happen in his timing because he knows all things. I realized first, “the Lord commanded [Lehi]… that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness” (1 Nephi 2:2) to stay safe. Second, the Lord commanded Lehi to have Nephi and his brothers complete the challenging task of obtaining the “record of the Jews and also a genealogy of [Lehi’s] forefathers” (1 Nephi 3: 3) that were called the plates of brass. In addition to having a record for Lehi’s posterity, there was also much to learn in this process. Lastly, it was the right time for Nephi and his brothers to marry in order to “raise up seed” (1 Nephi 7:2).
I continued to read: “…the Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael, and also his household, insomuch that they took their journey with us down into the wilderness to the tent of our father.” (1 Nephi 7:5)
When the time was right, the Lord prepared a way for Nephi and his brothers to find a spouse. I was comforted and reminded the Lord also has a plan for me. When I strive to do what the Lord commands and listen to the spirit in faith, he will bless me with my righteous desire in his order and timing.
No comments:
Post a Comment