Read full address by President Russell M. Nelson
For President Nelson to speak of days when, “you wished you could don your pajamas, curl up in a ball, and ask someone to awaken you when the turmoil is over…” he must know something of what that feels like. And maybe even more so than any of us ever will. I love to keep that in mind as I read the rest of his message. This is a man called to be a prophet of God not because discipleship always came easy for him, but perhaps because he knew with every fiber of his being that the effort and sacrifice of walking the path of a true disciple was, and is, worth it. He would not invite us, encourage us, or plea with us to do the same if he did not truly know of the peace, happiness, power, and rest that is promised.
Now, a thought about the opposition we can expect. I don’t think the adversary waits until positive spiritual momentum is well underway to interfere. I believe (speaking for experience here) that he does everything in his power to stop it from even beginning. So don’t be alarmed when it feels like the “getting going” is the hardest part. Breaking those old habits and ways of thinking to create new rhythms and practices—it’s TOUGH! But it is worth it. It will not happen all at once, but “over a lifetime as we repeatedly embrace the doctrine of Christ. . . Our hearts and our very natures [will] begin to change as the Savior lifts us above the pull of this fallen world.”
Do not believe the lie that He doesn’t have time for your tired prayers, or that he doesn’t notice the small stuff, or that you are incapable of changing your course. You have what it takes, because you have Him. He sees your every effort. And He is there, by your side, with all the time in the world to listen, to love, and to walk you home.
Invitation
President Nelson talks about the exhaustion of seeking happiness where it can’t be found. I would add that this is the same kind of exhaustion we experience when we do (or don’t do) the same things over and over and expect different results. Yet, how often are we guilty of this? I know this frustration all too well. The good news is that it is from this place that we are finally motivated to try new things for the results we so desperately want. His invitation to get specific in our prayers, ask for help, record our thoughts and follow through, is a great place to start. Find a notebook or journal, if you haven’t already, and dedicate a space for this invitation to pray, ask, record, and follow through.
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