Failures in Writing
When Nephi and his brethren went to get the plates from Laban, it wasn't until their third attempt that they were successful. Sometimes it is hard to understand why--when we are doing God's will--things are not a bit easier? In the case of Nephi and his brethren, perhaps the failure was part of the process of success. Perhaps the reason Laban was drunk and Nephi was able to slay him was because he was celebrating the fact that he had just stolen a large amount of gold and silver? I don't know this to be true, but what I do know is that when we persevere, the Lord will bless us. Sometimes we may feel as if we fail time and time again, but I would like to assume that that failure was all a part of the process of accomplishing the Lord's designs or the process of our lives being refined.On Sunday, I fasted for guidance in writing a book. Five years ago, I felt inspired by the Lord to begin the process. For five years, I have felt a great sense of inadequacy, and I have worried that I am failing the Lord.I decided this week to fast for direction (once again) and seek help from the divine source in which the prompting came in the first place. During fast and testimony meeting, Brother Armstrong bore his testimony about Nephi and his brethren failing on multiple occasions while trying to secure the plates. He testified that at times we experience failure, but that it is all a part of the process of reaching our end goal--even when we are inspired by the Lord. As he testified, I felt the spirit speak to my soul. The Lord was pleased with my effort--I just needed to keep pushing forward with trust in Him.
I am so grateful for promptings and the opportunity we have to be refined through our experiences here on earth. Our Heavenly Father truly does know each of us individually. He loves us. He wants us to succeed, and He is sending messages just for us. I know Brother Armstrong's testimony wasn't a coincidence. I know it was for me from the Lord. I am so grateful.
