Nephi and his brothers were asked to return to the city to retrieve the gold plates from the hands of Laban. It took them 3 attempts before finally getting a hold of the plated and returning safely to their family. Nephi had continuing faith and persistence in accomplishing that which the Lord had commanded them.
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1Ne 3:7)
When we pray for guidance from the Lord, we must be willing to do whatever he asks of us in return. He will help us, and it may not always be easy, but He is only trying to strengthen us and build our courage and confidence. He will provide a way!
I was laid off from my job very unexpectedly back in August. Previously, I thought things were good and I felt secure. I enjoyed my job and was living pretty easily. But then, after they called me in, I left in tears. No job. How would I pay bills? I was devastated, confused, and hated life. And, I knew, this meant my health insurance would be dropped.
I decided to rely on a given talent of mine to coach. I knew it would be a HUGE pay cut and I knew it wouldn't be enough, but it was much better then nothing at all. I soon received a call back from a friend of mine, requesting the need of a team coach. This is something I have always wanted to do! Be involved with the competitive side of gymnastics again, only this time on the other end, as a coach. I quickly went to work, helping with the level 7s. Then, in December I got my own group of level 5 girls. It has been a great experience. Despite the pay being quite a bit less then what I was previously making, I was doing something I loved. I was helping girls fulfill their dreams of being star gymnast. But, the drama didn't end here. My health decreasingly became worse and I was missing work because of it. I have had to drop this semester of school due to my health conditions.
Decreased work = smaller paycheck. Decreased school = Further away degree.
Everything seemed to be tumbling downhill. I prayed, every night and every morning for direction. I was not happy with my life and I wanted so much more. I have since taken a moment to look at my many blessings. I have a great supportive and loving family, who have helped me through all of this. I have a job that allows me to share my talent as well as be an example of living the gospel. I have a wonderful friend who offered me a babysitting job and the experience has been great. I have been blessed with a much healthier body than many out there. No, it is not perfect, and sometimes I wish I could have a new everything, but I can at least fight to live my everyday life, I can walk, I can talk, and breath on my own.
Come July, I will be cut off my dads health insurance because of my age. Currently I don't have a job that provides my own. I am not sure what I am going to do. But this is where I must be like Nephi, be persistent in my prayers and have faith that things will work out.
"And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."(1Ne 4:6)
Because of Nephi's diligence and persistence in keeping the Lords commandments, he was blessed greatly. He was blessed with a safe return back to the tent of his father and he was blessed with the spirit to guide him. I do not know what life has in store for me. My plans have changed again and again in this life, but every time I head down a new road that has been opened to me, I grow and become stronger. I will be blessed.
A friend once told me,
"Your set backs do not create doors to discouragement but create doors to opportunity." Megan Hutchinson
-Sarah M.
No comments:
Post a Comment