3 Nephi 27 – At the Ready

V1 – “United in mighty prayer and fasting.”  Do I know what that looks like?  I believe I’ve seen it numerous times in my life.  I know that whenever there is a need in our ward, and we are asked for the faith and prayers of all the members in the behalf of someone, we see amazing things happen.  We’ve had missionaries who were sick and ready to be sent home be able to complete their missions in good health.  We’ve had a young girl in our ward with limes disease that has been prayed back from death’s door.  The result of these united prayers led her to a service mission in Africa that was a tremendous blessing to her and her family.  These are only recent examples.  It’s a beautiful thing, and a tool we probably don’t use often enough.

V29 – “Ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened.”  This is one of my favorite scriptures because I experienced it in a most profound way.  As I was far removed from the path leading back to my Heavenly Father, my life really was quite miserable.  I was living in an evil environment without much hope of improvement.  I had stopped going to church or practicing my religion in any way (scriptures, prayer, meetings, etc.).  One night as I felt I could not go on another moment, I threw myself on my bed and said aloud, “Heavenly Father, whatever it is my parents are praying for me, I’m ready.  I’ll do whatever it takes to not live like this anymore”.  Almost at that exact moment, I could feel myself being led to the light.  People had been placed in my path “at the ready” to help me.  Miracles were happening and I felt the angels guiding me back to the path of full fellowship in the church.  It was a beautiful thing and one that I do not take lightly.  I have felt the responsibility to be there for others in the same way – to watch for those who were in need of “light” in their lives.  I have always taken my commitment to visit teach seriously, and have made amazing friends along the way.  My life has been filled with opportunity to grow not only in the gospel, but also in ways that have made me a better person with more to offer others and to help build the kingdom.

It is this experience, and watching a very similar experience in my daughter’s life that give me great hope for others who are struggling with their testimonies.  I know Heavenly Father loves his children and wants to bless them.  He is “at the ready” to bless us whenever we are ready to receive His help.  The “rub” is obedience to God’s laws.  The Savior told His disciples to watch him and do as he did.  Then in v13 he tells them that this is His gospel:  “. . . that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.”  Are we to do anything less?  Keep the commandments.  Be obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and we will have eternal life.  It is called the Plan of Salvation.  

This morning's reading reminds me that I must be “at the ready” to help others.