"And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?"
1 Nephi 15:8
Background-wise, this is Nephi talking to his brothers. They tell him that they can't understand something that their father taught to all of them, and when Nephi asks this they say, basically, that God won't give them an answer, so there is no point in asking. And, seriously, how often do we do this same thing? We just assume that God doesn't want us to know, or that there isn't an explanation, or that only important, prophetic people get revelation, or that we're incapable of understanding, or b'jillions of other excuses.
The thing is, how do prophets become prophets? It isn't because they just sat around and waited for God to come knock on the door. They were seeking something. They were invested. They prayed. They ASKED. God promises us many times in many places in the scriptures that he will answer us. For instance Matthew 7:8: "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
Revelation isn't restricted from anyone. Yeah, our revelations won't apply to the leadership of the whole world, unless we happen to get called to that world-leader position, but they will apply to our individual lives and anything we need to do. When Joseph Smith wasn't sure what church to join, he read in 1 Peter a scripture that promised wisdom to those that ask. Before this verse, Nephi was confused in a similar manner to his brothers, but he acted differently. He went to the Lord. He asked the Lord to teach him and help him understand.
Sometimes we do pray, and we quite incorrectly think that God isn't answering our prayers. Often it is because we aren't listening. If we want to be able to hear God's still, small voice, we need to take time to study things out and set aside time for prayer and meditation. Other times it is because we're not willing to accept the answer. God knows better than we do, and we're likely not going to get the million bucks or the new car that we've been dreaming about. Things aren't always going to happen exactly the way we want them to, even if we ask for that. But God is still listening, helping us get the things we ask for when they are good and the timing is right, and when we don't understand, he will always help us learn more until we can. The lessons aren't always fun, but they are always available.
Today, let's not assume that God won't answer us, or that he doesn't want us to know. Let's be willing to go to God and ask him about anything we don't understand and let's listen and read and study and be open to his answers. Let's be like Nephi and inquire of the Lord.
1 Nephi 15:8
Background-wise, this is Nephi talking to his brothers. They tell him that they can't understand something that their father taught to all of them, and when Nephi asks this they say, basically, that God won't give them an answer, so there is no point in asking. And, seriously, how often do we do this same thing? We just assume that God doesn't want us to know, or that there isn't an explanation, or that only important, prophetic people get revelation, or that we're incapable of understanding, or b'jillions of other excuses.
The thing is, how do prophets become prophets? It isn't because they just sat around and waited for God to come knock on the door. They were seeking something. They were invested. They prayed. They ASKED. God promises us many times in many places in the scriptures that he will answer us. For instance Matthew 7:8: "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
Revelation isn't restricted from anyone. Yeah, our revelations won't apply to the leadership of the whole world, unless we happen to get called to that world-leader position, but they will apply to our individual lives and anything we need to do. When Joseph Smith wasn't sure what church to join, he read in 1 Peter a scripture that promised wisdom to those that ask. Before this verse, Nephi was confused in a similar manner to his brothers, but he acted differently. He went to the Lord. He asked the Lord to teach him and help him understand.
Sometimes we do pray, and we quite incorrectly think that God isn't answering our prayers. Often it is because we aren't listening. If we want to be able to hear God's still, small voice, we need to take time to study things out and set aside time for prayer and meditation. Other times it is because we're not willing to accept the answer. God knows better than we do, and we're likely not going to get the million bucks or the new car that we've been dreaming about. Things aren't always going to happen exactly the way we want them to, even if we ask for that. But God is still listening, helping us get the things we ask for when they are good and the timing is right, and when we don't understand, he will always help us learn more until we can. The lessons aren't always fun, but they are always available.
Today, let's not assume that God won't answer us, or that he doesn't want us to know. Let's be willing to go to God and ask him about anything we don't understand and let's listen and read and study and be open to his answers. Let's be like Nephi and inquire of the Lord.
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