He Answers!

I am so grateful for my loving Heavenly Father. There are a lot of times when I find myself thinking about God, and kind of where I stand toward Him, what my relationship with Him is like, and things like that, and I've found that I've learned the most about God when I've thought about Him as a Father. I know that quite literally He is the Father of our spirits. Everything that He does stems from the paternal love that He has for His children. His ultimate goal and measure of success is for His children to be able to have success in this life, and come and return to live with Him in the hereafter.

He knew that this life would be incredibly hard-and it is! There are so many trials and challenges that each and every one of us faces. We all face difficulties, sicknesses, struggles, weaknesses, and the like. On top of that, we have so many voices all around us, be they from friends, family, the media, or other sources, trying to tell us what to do or how to live-what way will bring us true happiness and joy. Knowing this, our Heavenly Father provided multiple means of helping us to find guidance and direction during this life. He gave us prophets to teach us His word. He gave us scriptures so that we might read His word. But today I want to talk a little bit about the power of prayer and of the Holy Ghost.

I have seen recently the power that comes through prayer. James in the New Testament directed us, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally...and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). We have a lot of questions in this life, and there is power in taking those questions and those concerns to our Heavenly Father. We have His promise that He will answer our prayers. Those answers come often subtly and quietly, and, frequently, over time. The Holy Ghost speaks to our minds and to our hearts, and helps lead and guide us in the direction that God wants us to go. It may be in a small moment, or a sudden realization, but God will answer each and every one of our prayers. And I've seen that to be true, especially lately. Both for myself, and for those around me, I have seen their prayers answered, and their concerns resolved as they have sought God in humble prayer, seeking His help and guidance. Our Father loves us. He hears our prayers, and He answers them. The answers may not come on our timetable, but they will always come. He loves us too much not to answer. We can trust that He will never lead us astray, and that is something for which I am very grateful.