How often do we listen to our religious leaders, (Bishopric members, Stake Presidencies, General Authorities) and think to ourselves that it was meant for the person sitting next to us, or across from us, or down the row from us, but certainly not us? How often do we tell ourselves that the bit of counsel given just doesn’t apply? So then, we toss it out of our head as quickly as it entered?

Mormon Bishop InterviewsMaybe this happens more among the singles of the church for much of the advice is given to fathers, mothers or families in general. In which case it is much easier to decide that the counsel has nothing to do with us, then to look and see how it could apply. Sigh . . .

“…I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning…” 1 Nephi 19:23

As Nephi did for the scriptures, so to can (and should) we do for all the counsel from the Lord. For if we do not do so, I know we will miss out on many great blessings. This truth was brought home to me once through the experience of a dear friend.

Last year in Stake Conference, our Stake Presidency reiterated the need to get out of debt, set aside money for rainy days, and then they said wherever your food storage is add another six months worth to it. Upon coming home from the meetings that day, my dear friend resolved to follow the counsel given. This was not an easy feat. My friend is 28, single, and living away from home. Where she had a decent job, she had a lot of debt (between credit cards and car). How was she to pay all that off, set aside money for the future, and acquire (let alone figure out where to put it in a small apartment) six months of food storage, when she was barely getting by on what she was making?

With these grave concerns in mind, yet the firm decision to obey in her heart, my friend went to her knees in prayer. She asked the Lord to help, then got up and went to work. For months she worked hard, sacrificed, and continually prayed. And do you know what? She did it! By the end of last year, she was totally debt free, had money in the back, and food stashed away. How grateful she was that she had followed the Stake President’s counsel, a few weeks later when she was unexpectedly laid off work.

Though unsure how long her unemployment would last, my friend was not afraid. She had listened to and had obeyed the counsel from her leaders, and she was prepared. Not having to worry about payments due on either credit cards, or car payments was such a relief to her in this time. Knowing she had enough food to last her for six months if necessary gave her peace. Having money in the bank to cover rent, gas, and even fast offerings (to help others in need) made it possible for her to go on as if all in life were normal until she could find another job.

As one week melded into another, I grew more and more concerned for the welfare of my dear friend. I knew that she was out of work, and though she was actively looking for employment, she was finding nothing. One day I voiced my concern to her to which she quoted the scripture,

“…if ye are prepared ye shall not fear . . . ”
Doctrine and Covenants 38:30

That was when she shared with me her story and how she had followed the counsel of her leaders and because of this she was prepared. Though her funds were getting lower and she did need to find another job soon, in the mean time she was okay. (I am happy to report that a few days ago my dear friend received an unexpected phone call that resulted in a job offer. This new job was even better then the one she had lost over a month ago.)

As illustrated though the example of my friend, the Lord wants us to be prepared, so that we can live free of fear. This is why we have living Prophets, Apostles, and Priesthood Leaders. They call us to repentance, come unto Christ, and they are the watchmen on the tower who can see afar off to warn us of danger. When we heed their warning call, we will be able to meet what life brings our way with happiness and peace, not fear and regret.

About Julia G

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