Listening to Spiritual Impressions

The Lord speaks to those who are prepared to hear Him. He does it through His Holy Spirit. Generally, His voice is quiet and peaceful, and if we don't turn down the noise of everyday life, we might miss out on beautiful guidance and blessings in our lives.

How many times have you or I missed inspiration from the Spirit? How many times have we heard and not obeyed? I have an example of just such an experience.



A few year ago, one of my close friends (and boyfriend at the time) had been praying and fasting about a particular topic. He was seeking an answer that he wasn't willing to listen to. After fasting on one Sunday in July, he felt received a VERY distinct answer to his searching. However, rather than heed the answer he KNEW he had received, instead he disobeyed and went down a path of his own choosing. The Spirit was trying to lead him out of temptations' way. Because he didn't listen, he ended up in some very bad situations which took him some time to recover from spirtually and otherwise. Additionally, he told me during this time that he knew the Spirit was not speaking to him, not only because he rejected a clear answer he got, but also because of choices he made due to the rejected answer. His choice affected not only his life, but my life and others' lives as well.



Thank goodness there are also many positive situations in which the reverse is true. Reading in Alma this morning, just such a situation was brought to my attention. In Alma chapter 8 Alma, the younger, goes to Ammonihah to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people. He is rejected and leaves the city. On his way out, an angel of the Lord came to him (the same one who had come to him when he was leading people away from the church)to tell him to go back to Ammonihah and to preach there. Now, this was a much more OBVIOUS way of Jesus Christ to speak with him. We most likely won't have an angel come to us and tell us what we are to do. But, Alma listened, even though he didn't know what the outcome would be. He listened to what he was told and, more importantly, did it. He took action. Because of his faith and action, Heavenly Father blessed Alma with everything he would need in order to convert many people to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He affected many lives positively and converted and baptized many people as well.

Are we listening? Are we willing to be an instrument in the Lord's hand, no matter the cost? The many things we are called to do may not be easy, but, through faith, Heavenly Father will always provide a way for us to accomplish His commandments. Our Father in Heaven loves and is aware of you and of me. I know that as we act in faith to follow His Spirit, we will be guided and blessed beyond anything we can imagine. I have seen this power many times in my life. I'm grateful for it.