For as long as I can remember, I have loved to read. My parents tell me I memorized books and would recite them over and over to myself before I turned two years old. I could breeze through a Babysitters Club or Sweet Valley High book in a couple of hours as a pre-teen. In college, I would eagerly set aside my textbooks to get wrapped up in whatever bestseller I had saved up to purchase. As a newlywed, my husband would often take me on dates to get hot cocoa and browse the aisles of Barnes & Noble. Actually, that’s still my favorite date 20 years later.
Words have just always been a comfort to me. When we talk about the small and simple things of the gospel, so many people have a hard time reading scriptures daily. That is not something I can relate to. I will set everything aside to read scriptures. (Heartfelt prayer is another story. That’s something I’m continuously working to get better at.) Pre-worldwide pandemic, I loved the couple of hours all my kids were at school in the morning. I would frequently turn on the fireplace, grab my favorite blanket, a drink, and sit on the floor and read.
When President Nelson encouraged us in his now infamous talk, Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives, to “increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation” I knew immediately I would find it in the scriptures. As I started to pay attention to the way certain words or phrases jumped out at me, I began to understand the revelation I was being given. This happens most profoundly and directly as I study the Doctrine and Covenants. Perhaps because the language is more modern and feels more relatable to me. The people we read about in D&C actually lived in houses, not the tents we read about in the Book of Mormon.
There has been one thing more prevalent than anything else the past couple years as I have sought for revelation and guidance. There have been days I have felt strong promptings to do or say certain things. Times when I have been led to read a particular book or talk to find comfort. But, I have never felt like I received a firm answer or response in a more general sense.
As I studied D&C 5 this week, I was startled by two verses that stood out to me. D&C 5:9 reads, “I have reserved those things…and it shall be made known unto future generations.” And then in verse 17 the Lord says to Joseph, “And you must wait yet a little while…” I sat and pondered these verses for quite awhile, even wrote them in my journal because sometimes I can make a connection as I put something to paper. And then a question went through my mind, simple but alarming:
Do you have the faith to continue if I tell you that it’s not time?
The tears started to flow as I understood that the Lord was telling me “you must wait yet a little while.” This one thing I want more than anything, it’s not time. Because this one thing is how He is using me to move His work forward through my experiences. It is the best way He has to teach me important truths. It is how I am learning to love as the Savior does. So many of the faith building experiences I have had stem from this one thing. God will take care of the rest in His time, but I still have to continue waiting.
So often when we are seeking revelation for guidance, we are led down a path that looks different than the one we had planned. I have had that experience and it’s pretty cool when I can see God’s wisdom in directing me to one path over another. But, it’s pretty rare when I feel like He straight up tells me “No.” And yet, here I sit with that exact answer. Not anywhere close to the answer I wanted. And so it was not so strange to hear the Spirit ask if I will continue seeking the Savior even if I get the opposite of my desire.
And I wonder, will I? Is my faith sufficient to continue on the covenant path, knowing that I can’t have what I want for yet a little while?
There was a time in my life where it wasn’t. Thankfully, now I can respond with a fervent “Yes.” I’m not sure what that looks like, but I’m so grateful I followed President Nelson’s counsel. I am confident that when I show up for God, He will provide the tools I need to continue.
“We are followers of Jesus Christ. The most important truth the Holy Ghost will ever witness to you is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
President Russell M Nelson, Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives
If we can lay hold upon this one truth, we have the foundation we need to continue on the covenant path even when we are told we must wait. Let us seek Him so that we can “lay hold upon every good thing.” (Moroni 7:19)
Audra is our Content Manager and Creative Director. She and her husband have three children.
Audra is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. If you were to drop by her house, you would most likely find her in a favorite pair of leggings with a book in one hand and a cookie in the other.
Audra loves inspiring others through public speaking and writing. She has been featured on several podcasts, including This is the Gospel podcast and Spiritually Minded Mom. She has written articles for communities such as Work + Wonder and A Voice of Gladness.
Audra has also been a local presenter at Time Out for Women in Raleigh, NC. Other interests include baking, photography, and fitness.
Audra created and hosted a retreat for Christian women in North Carolina which allowed her to combine some of her favorite passions – unity, friendship, and developing personal relationships with the Savior.
Audra currently resides in North Carolina, USA.
You can connect with Audra on Instagram or on any of A Worldwide Sisterhood platforms.