1Ne 9: The Lord Knoweth All Things

"Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.

But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen." (1Ne 9:5-6)

These two verses really hit me. We may not know where life is taking us, but as long as we listen to the spirit and follow the direction of our Heavenly Father, things will work out in the end. I feel like sometimes I am directed along one path and just as I get settled and think things are going well, I am told to go a different way. Often, I pray for guidance and direction in my busy life, and when I receive an answer, I quickly respond with action. The Lord told me to do this, so I do.  But, too often, I plan everything out from that single decision and think I know exactly where he is leading me. This is not always the case. For example,

I grew up spending multiple hours in the gym, training to be the World's BEST gymnast...or so I thought. I spent many hours (as many as 32 hrs/wk) working harder then I ever thought possible; enduring bloody rips, pulled muscles, screaming coaches, dripping sweat and working to perfection, trying to reach my dreams, goals, and greatest potential. My closest friends were from the gym, it was my home away from home. And, believe it or not, I wouldn't take any of it back. Yes, there were hard times; times I wanted to quit and walk away. But I had worked too long and too hard to just give up. I prayed to know that is where my Heavenly Father wanted me and as an answer to my prayers, I knew I was meant to be right there in the gym. 

When my dad lost his job, my parents set up a meeting with Jim, the owner, to explain our situation and to tell him they were going to have to pull me out. The cost of training, competition, & everything else that goes along with being a competitive gymnast, was too much, and my parents could no longer afford to keep me in. An answer to my prayers was found in his reply, "No, we can't have that. She has too much talent and great potential, we will take care of everything." Wow! They believed in me; they saw my strength and determination. I pushed even harder, determined to work my way up the ladder - regionals, then to nationals, and then working towards becoming an Olympic Gymnast. I competed in Region 3, held in Kansas, in 2002. I was a proud Texas gymnast, who took 8th all around. After season, I spent the summer training level 9 & 10 skills. 

Then, in August of 2002, my family moved to Utah, where the Lord directed us to go. I was leaving my friends, my team, & my coaches who believed in me. My dad had found a job, but it wasn't enough to afford gymnastics training. I prayed to know where to go from there.  We went into Missy Marlow's Gymnastics, and sure enough, they were willing to help out. They put me on scholarship and let me train with their team. The Lord was there and knew my desires. Though it just wasn't the same, competition was nothing compared to TeXas and I became very ill losing much of my strength. I prayed. I pleaded with the Lord to help me find a way to continue doing what I loved most. After another season of level 8, I found a great coach, who believed in me more then any of my other coaches, Brandy. She trained me and got me ready for level 9. I decided last minute to compete a mini meet before season. First event: Beam...I performed beautifully. It felt great to be up there again, and I stuck it, that is until I hit the dismount mat where I landed wrong, tearing my ACL, medial & lateral ligaments. My season was over. Again, I became discouraged, questioning why this had to be happening. Things were going great, I had made a great comeback after being so sick, and then this. Since then, I have tried on and off to get back in the gym. I miss it so much. I never went on to compete in nationals, I never competed against girls around the world. I felt like everything I had worked towards had been shattered. Why would the Lord tell me to go one direction and then it end so quickly and so differently then I expected? But then, I look back at all I did accomplish. I have 98 medals which I proudly earned; I am a perfectionist, determined to get things done right; I persevere and never give up; I give 100% of my efforts to find success; I am respectful of those around me; I did my very best and because of that, I gained skills that have helped me become who I am today. Skills that will forever be a part of me in life and help me in my passion for health and fitness. And, I have had many opportunities to share the gospel with those around me and to be an example of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know my Heavenly Father does have a plan for me and despite how badly I wanted to go all the way in gymnastics, I know he has something greater in store. 

We must be willing to go whichever way the Lord would have us go; just as Lehi and his family, who were told to make their journey into the wilderness and then commanded multiple times to return to Jerusalem (for the Gold Plates & again Ishmael's family). It would've been more convenient and much easier to accomplish those tasks before they left their home land in the first place, but the Lord knew what he was doing. He was testing them and only giving them the opportunity to strengthen their faith. Life isn't always going to be easy and we may question why the Lord leads us one way and then quickly another. This life is the test and our purpose is to strive to be like Him and be worthy to return to His presence. I learned so much as a gymnast, I have had opportunity to share the gospel, and I have great memories to look back on. I can see how far I have come when I look back on hard times. Don't give up and remember, the Lord knows the way!

The Lord taught Lehi and his family:
“I will … be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if … ye shall keep my commandments; … ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led” (1Ne 17:13).

"You all must have promised lands that you would like to go to, and you can have your own light in that wilderness that challenges young people today. This light comes all wrapped up in love, the Lord’s love for every one of His children...The Lord knows that you face challenges and temptations, and He provides the light that brightens your hearts, your minds, and your spirits. He has said that His word is truth and truth is light and light is the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (Sister Sharon G. Larson: "Your Light in the Wilderness" - Ensign May 1999)

"I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.
For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round" (1Ne 10:17, 19)

We may not know the reasoning for the ways he may direct our paths, but we must trust in him, have faith in him, and know that He will lead us back to his presence. I know that he has a plan for me, and every time I am directed in a new direction, I adjust my goals and desires to follow that path. As I look back at the many things I have experienced and all that I have endured, I realize how far I have come and how much of a stronger person I am because of everything I have been through. I thank my Heavenly Father for trials and for those moments where I may not have a full understanding at the moment, but they have strengthened me in my life and helped me become who I am today. Press forward with faith!

-Sarah M.