Personal Revelation

[LT04]

Hello brethren and sisters,

It feels like I have been getting stone walled when it comes to personal revelation. I have been doing all the CTR things the church says that need to prelude any answer like reading scriptures, praying, fasting so on and so forth.

I hear how some people say that the answers they get are so clear to them and they are very detailed and specific answers. I would be happy with yes or no answers.

Then when you get a feeling you assume is an answer how do you know its just not wishful thinking? Some times the answers I need are time sensitive I don't think you can just give G-d a time line can you?

I hope you guys and gals can help with my dilemma, I don't know what to do.

-LT04

[the_jason]

God answers prayers differently for everyone. Some people hear it. Some people feel it. Some people think it. Neither is right or wrong.

The thing to remember regarding prayer is that the way and time we wish to receive an answer means diddly squat. All things are done in the Lord's time. When we are impatient it either delays the answer further or it causes us to not recognize an answer when it is given. If we ask and then act in humility we will receive the answers we need.

[Blessed]

LT04,

I don't have really much to say except I have been where you have been and in time I was given an answer. So keep holding on to the promise that God doesn't break His promises and He will, indeed, give you exactly what you need and when you need it. :) Sorry... no burning bush, here. :)

[BenRaines]

I would be curious the types of things asked in prayer and types of answers sought be they time sensitive or not.

I am curious how different people approach Heavenly Father for answer to prayers.

Ben Raines

[prisonchaplain]

There was a point in my graduate studies when Father clearly revealed to me that I was to seek federal prison chaplaincy. The course was nowhere on my radar screen, so I sought additional counsel, and the course was confirmed.

Five months after applying I received a call from the federal prisons saying they could not use me at this time. There was no plan B. This was the Father's will for me. Now what?

In desperation mixed with prayer and absolute dependency I cried out to God and said, "I'm not eating until you tell me what to do."

13 days later God told me what to do. It was a sense. I was to continue my current work, and reapply in one year. My wife? Oh my...she wanted to leave town as much as I did. What would she say? When I told her, she responded, "I know." God had revealed the same to her.

This type of thing has happened to me may four times in my 43 years. Most of the time, God just expects us to follow our dreams and interests, while always choosing the right.

[MaidservantX]

I could say so many things about this. But I will tell of a recent experience I have been having. I have always had a struggle with money -- having enough of it (including keeping my kids fed, etc), using it wisely. However, when crunch time has come, I have always been able to have money or other things I need at that spot -- I mean, literally, people will send me a check in the mail and say, "I was thinking of you." but I would know that God had heard my prayer. Well, over the last 12 months, I have been allowed to have the full consequences of limited money -- there has been very little relief. I even prayed for some very specific things and as well, I have done everything I know how to do to solve the problems practically and to earn some more money. I have had many prayers answered, but also at one point I thought that I had been let down quite a bit at a certain juncture. However, the funny part about this is that I HAVE had personal revelation in connection with this test/ trial. The personal revelation is EXTREMELY clear to me and it is this: it is that at this time in my life I am prepared to learn these lessons of caring for myself monetarily and to overcome even quite large consequences with patience and persistence and intelligence. Rather than letting me down, God is TRUSTING me. When I was weak, he took up the slack. Now that I'm a little stronger, the gift is for me to learn about money completely and get to a completely new level where I will be more or less totally free from poverty. But I have to do that by going THROUGH the tough parts NOT by having it be REMOVED. That way I will be able to subject these temporal laws to myself and reap the rewards. So I have still been dismayed at some moments and feel momentary discouragement -- I don't allow it to last -- it's all quite hard, BUT I do have the peace of that revelation in the background. God hasn't gone anywhere.

[the_jason]

Gosh that's, like, totally awesome. :)

[Soulsearcher]

I'm horrible at understanding my revelations. I get crystal clears answers and am always wrong as to what was really meant. I think i just miss the point of the answer. I'll keep trying, can't be wrong all the time, can i?

[Guest MrsS]

My revelations have always been a clarity of thought. I have been confused, befuddled and totally unsure of which direction I should take. When I feel that I am not speaking clearly or asking the correct questions, I stop and ponder how to ask, which turns out to be more along the lines of why am I asking and what am I asking for - that is when the fog is lifted and I know the answer.

When others have "counciled" me that it would be in my "best interest" to do this, or that - or have "called" me to a posistion that I am not eager about. I am hesitant to say No, that would be so Ungrateful to Father. I am troubled and confused. So I go to Father in prayer.

Guess what? He is confirming that I heard Him right the first time. His answer is No - I am to say No. This is not His will for me.

Be prepared to accept Fathers No's along with His yes's.

[a-train]

When I follow the LORD's method of 1st studying out in my mind and then asking if it be right, I get the exact burning in the bosom or the stupor of thought mentioned in D&C 9. In contrast, when I take no thought save to ask Him, I usually get no such revelation.

I cannot see how the LORD will unlock the mysteries of the Kingdom or give to us "hidden treasures" of knowledge (D&C 89) without cracking the scriptures. I have found that when I have any question, if I will prayerfully read the scriptures and allow the LORD to teach me "here a little, and there a little" (Isa 28:10) I will feel better even if I have not yet found the answer to the exact question I have. We must be content with the knowledge the LORD is partial to impart and be ever careful not to look "beyond the mark." (Jacob 4:14)

I believe that if I am not quickly answered or confirmed, then the LORD has in store a trial of my faith, after which I will receive my witness. (Ether 12:6)

Here is an example: A racist man may not be able to see the true nature of those within the race(s) he is disposed to have ill feelings toward until he first decides to treat them as though they were worthy of his love and respect. It is only after he is humble enough to do so in the face of a perceived irrationality of the idea that it becomes clear to him that his hate was ill-positioned and those he had such emnity with deserved none such.

Just the same, we may need to take a similar leap of faith before we can stand in the light of knowledge only attainable by standing where the light is.

-a-train

[LT04]

Wow, I only posted this topic 16 hours ago and I have come back to a novel. The big question I have been asking is what should I do as far as my career and church callings. Somehow I get the impression they are connected. Don't ask me how the church doesn't own any assets in Northern New York like it owns back in Utah, California or Idaho. Here my stake center is 90 miles away. So unless I move thats not a likely answer but I don't get the impression I'm supposed to move ether. In the end I think my answer is "do what you think is right and I'll let you know if you screw it up." Well thats great he has that kind of trust in me but couldn't I use this time wile I'm waiting for what ever to happen to prepare?

You guys / gals were so helpful before maybe you could riddle that thanks for your help,

-LT04

[sixpacktr]

LT04,

I have been in exactly your shoes. I lost my job over a year ago and was out of work for 7.5 months. The thing is, I felt very strongly that I shouldn't leave the area we were living in (Atlanta area). I was serving in the Bishopric and had had a very personal uncalled for revelation that our ward was going to split and that I would be Bishop. At the time I felt of the new ward, but then all heck broke loose. I was under a lot of pressure at my job (let's just say that I was wrongly accused and the HR manager was very very vindictive) and had the feeling a year before it happened that I would be fired. So I looked and looked for a job in the Atlanta area because I felt that I should stay there. Even my wife was wondering why I didn't look elsewhere, so I told her (in the Celestial Room of the temple, because I hadn't spoken a word of what I had been told to anyone, and I didn't want Satan to know what I had been told). Anyway, then I was let go, and everyone, including the Bishop and the other counselor and my family were telling me that my first priority was to my family and to take a job out of the area if needed. I held out of about 3 months of no money coming in, and then was able to interview for the current job I have (in Western NY). I had to wait an additional 4 months after that first interview with this company before I started (I turned down 2 other jobs in the meantime).

So, what does all of this mean? I haven't the foggiest. I do know what I was told. It was unbidden and unexpected. Perhaps the Lord wanted me to stick it out for the experience in my calling as a counselor so that I could learn to be a Bishop (I was able to help out tremendously in the Bishop's place because I was not working and so was much more flexible in helping others in our Ward), and when my faith had been tried enough I was allowed to find this job.

Will the other things happen? I believe so. I believe I mistook two distinct revelations to mean happening at the same time. I (obviously) no longer believe that. In fact, when my wife and I were getting blessings regarding this problem, the counselor said, very specifically, that our move was very important to the Lord and where we lived was because I was to serve as a Bishop somewhere, and only the Lord knew where. The Lord also knew that there was no way in heck that we would move unless it were forced upon us because we loved the area and really loved the Ward.

So, long story short (too late, right!) the best thing to do is pray with real intent and go forward with faith in what you believe to be the right course. If it isn't, the Lord will let you know either with a voice or probably a feeling (kind of dark and questioning, you know?) and you can do a course correction. I have learned that in many instances the Lord doesn't care too much about these things, and we need to learn to trust our own judgement. He will step in if it isn't right and let us know.

[Gwen]

I'm horrible at understanding my revelations. I get crystal clears answers and am always wrong as to what was really meant. I think i just miss the point of the answer. I'll keep trying, can't be wrong all the time, can i?

So unless I move thats not a likely answer but I don't get the impression I'm supposed to move ether.

sometimes we do have to further study out the answer or possibilities and take them to the lord for further conformation. i try to remember that sometimes it's not the answer that is wrong, but the question we ask. if you get answers that seem impossible then try asking a new question. why assume that your father can't do the impossible? if it's his will then it will be. just cause you can't see the answer doesn't mean it's not there, or won't be very shortly. study out ways to make that answer happen and then return with different questions.

for me personal revelation has never been short and sweet. i have conversations with my heavenly father. granted i do most of the talking, sometimes i'm venting, and on occasion i've simply cried and accused my father of abandoning me. but when i finally get it all out (lol i love that he knows me so well and is pacient with my comunincation style), then when i'm done, the thoughts come to mind, clear moments when i know the thoughts were not my own. within these thoughts i've even "heard" the statments using the word "I" and not in reference to me. does not always mean it makes since to me at that moment, but the revelation is undeniable. not all my experiances are that strong, but when i need them most they are there.

i just recalled the temple dedication of the temple here, pres hinckley did the dedication of this one. not sure if he has shared this elsewhere but that is where i heard this. he was talking about when he first received the revelation to build the smaller temples. that he could not see how it was going to work, how the church could afford it, none of it made since. but when he questioned it in prayer the only revelation that came was he should go to work. so he did, not knowing what would happen, and a bit nervous about it all. (i recall being astonished, the prophet was a bit nervous in following revelation!) it wasn't untill after a couple of them had been built and were in operation that he could see how it all came together and that it indeed could and would work. i just remember walking away thinking, if the prophet is asked to walk by faith and set about a plan without all the answers, then who am i to be any more important or better than him.

[LT04]

In my Patriarchal blessing is tells me to "...progress in my formal education, so I may be guided to that field in which to concentrate preparation for my profession....."

I think that most people today don't work in the field they have a degree in but I'm done with my AS degree in Engineering Science and an AA degree in "Individual Studies", and am currently working on my 4 year degree in Fire Science. At this rate I'll have more degree's than a thermometer and still be no closer to my "profession" then I am now.

I have worked in a slew of jobs ranging in various fields including Life guard (high school) ,EMT, Soldier A ) Supply Sergeant, B ) Combat Engineer, Geodetic Surveyor, administrative assistant for the Nevada County sheriffs office, firefighter, Carpenter, equipment operator, I even worked at a nuke plant. the list goes on and on I feel like G-d waits for me to stay in each place for about a year then says "nope not this one, keep moving" I would like to gain some ground in one occupation or at least in one field instead of feeling like a migrant worker all the time.

Any takers for advice here?

-LT04

[rosie321]

Wow, I only posted this topic 16 hours ago and I have come back to a novel. The big question I have been asking is what should I do as far as my career and church callings. Somehow I get the impression they are connected. Don't ask me how the church doesn't own any assets in Northern New York like it owns back in Utah, California or Idaho. Here my stake center is 90 miles away. So unless I move thats not a likely answer but I don't get the impression I'm supposed to move ether. In the end I think my answer is "do what you think is right and I'll let you know if you screw it up." Well thats great he has that kind of trust in me but couldn't I use this time wile I'm waiting for what ever to happen to prepare?

You guys / gals were so helpful before maybe you could riddle that thanks for your help,

-LT04

No one can tell you what you should do:(.

Here's some things that have helped me and that might help you in your situation though:

First have faith and trust that God has your best interests in mind. That as he cares for the sparrow so he cares for you. That he will lead you through all the twists and turns. This is not always easy to do but it will help you get through difficult times. Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things. We are called to experiment (Alma 32:21-) . Experiments do not always go well:( If every experiment was good then you'd never be able to know the limits or the true validity of something. Thus it is with us and our decisions sometimes. We are stretched so we can know and understand the limits of our faith. We don't always recieve the witness until after the trial of our faith. So you may have to struggle in an area for awhile and maybe even at times not even know for sure if what we are doing is right. As PC said he thought it was right to become a chaplain but once he made the decision things did not get easier. They got harder. Things always are easier when looking back. Faith does not mean things will always run without bumps. Sometimes we are tested to see what we can do. From all that I've learned we can do nothing to mess things up beyond God's capability to fix. I'm with you in that I want to do things right the first time. I don't want to mess things up at all either. But we are called to progress and learn to faith walk on our own. That means lots of bumps and falls for some of us. But look at the lessons taught after a mess up. Faith, forgiveness, humbleness..... Be careful not to rob yourself of those lessons.

Secondly, ask, as it appears you have done. Pray to know. Seek knowledge.

Third. Question and list. In your case what areas are you interested in? What skills do you have? What are your limitations..................

Ask all the questions you can. Take nothing for granted in the areas you're struggling with. Sometimes the simple act of listing things down and questioning even the most basic things helps me to understand and find answers. I've been spoken to and been led through the lists and questions. I have made changes at times according to them. Changes at the time I did not understand or would have taken otherwise but have helped me down the road.

Since your married take into account your family situation. What would be best for everyone longterm or temporarily short term? In the case of your Catholic wife what would be respectful of her? Maybe going out to Utah for instance would be too much for her and would breed more hatred for the church and you then love. On the otherhand maybe it would be the thing to lead her to want to become LDS and thus create a greater unity between the two of you. I can't give you the answers there. But these things should be considered.

Fourth. Be patient and wait for the Lords timing. Are you under as tight of a time frame as you think? Are there temporary options open to you that you might not have considered that might help you out in the longterm? Are you thinking and acting in your will or Gods? I don't know if this applies in your case but say for example if you need a job, finances are tight maybe a temporary job or 2 somewhere will suffice until the next door opens. By taking a temporary job you can create more job history and maybe open the door to some connections even if its not in the area you are hoping for now.

Fifth. Be thankful for whatever you recieve, however minor it may seem. Gratitude really draws out the good. Selfish expectations always seem to drive it away.

Sixth. Be diligent. If you ask God for bread will he give you a stone instead? (verse in NT).

These are just some different tools that have helped me to better see what I should be doing and why and have helped me to get beyond moments where I am stuck. Hopefully there's something there you can use too.

In my Patriarchal blessing is tells me to "...progress in my formal education, so I may be guided to that field in which to concentrate preparation for my profession....."

I think that most people today don't work in the field they have a degree in but I'm done with my AS degree in Engineering Science and an AA degree in "Individual Studies", and am currently working on my 4 year degree in Fire Science. At this rate I'll have more degree's than a thermometer and still be no closer to my "profession" then I am now.

I have worked in a slew of jobs ranging in various fields including Life guard (high school) ,EMT, Soldier A ) Supply Sergeant, B ) Combat Engineer, Geodetic Surveyor, administrative assistant for the Nevada County sheriffs office, firefighter, Carpenter, equipment operator, I even worked at a nuke plant. the list goes on and on I feel like G-d waits for me to stay in each place for about a year then says "nope not this one, keep moving" I would like to gain some ground in one occupation or at least in one field instead of feeling like a migrant worker all the time.

Any takers for advice here?

-LT04

Is it a bad thing that you have such a broad base? From the jobs you've had it looks like you've learned some pretty good things that will be helpful anywhere. From what I've seen in the job market today there is no set career or job. The more flexible you are and experienced the better off you are.

It looks like there are some underlying skills and interests there that have carried forth between the jobs. Tie them together. List them down. This might help direct you to your ultimate career goal or job interest. You might be able to find a company that will allow you to grow within it. It sounds like you are one that likes change and learning. Find a company with lots of room for growth that you can constantly be challenged. Maybe even start your own business eventually?

In the meantime do not diminish what you've done. From your history it looks like you've picked up a lot of valuable skills and information. God can use your skills not only in your career but in other life situations too.

[rosie321]

In my Patriarchal blessing is tells me to "...progress in my formal education, so I may be guided to that field in which to concentrate preparation for my profession....."

I think that most people today don't work in the field they have a degree in but I'm done with my AS degree in Engineering Science and an AA degree in "Individual Studies", and am currently working on my 4 year degree in Fire Science. At this rate I'll have more degree's than a thermometer and still be no closer to my "profession" then I am now

Progress in my formal education

-you are doing that.

Still be no closer to my "profession" than I am now

Says who? I see quite a pattern forming.

Are you doing what you think is right? Isn't fire science a field that you are drawn to?

Maybe I'm incorrect, but it looks like from the outside you are on the right track but just need to be patient to see how it will all come together.

[LT04]

Maybe your right. I'm skittish b/c the Fire dept I work for now is footing the bill for school, I have a contract with my FF Battalion that if I choose to leave I have to reimburse them. This school isn't cheep. I'm lucky where I am now b/c a lot of dept.'s won't take you unless you have so many credits toward your FS degree. (this is b/c they have such a high volume of applicants they have to raise the bar to get a manageable number).

But I guess even if I'm not moving in the right direction at least I'm moving right?

-LT04