They have given us a couple of months to accomplish this, but I must admit to some "murmuring" and some pride. My thoughts included: "I'm already reading the Book of Mormon," and "I'm busy with activities on Wednesdays, sports on Thursdays, lessons on Sundays, personal progress, Stake pageant practice, presidency meetings, etc., etc., etc."
However, I stopped reading where I was and returned to 1st Nephi to begin anew. My reading looked something like: read, read, read. Crash. Get behind. Read, read, read, read to catch up. Life gets busy and read only 5 minutes per day for several days. Seriously behind. Read, read, read, read, read!
But somewhere in the midst of my marathon reading sessions, the Spirit of that great book entered my heart and changed it from rebellious to repentant. What was I to learn as I studied?
The young women are always on my mind but two in particular began to "occupy my mind and press itself upon my feelings the strongest" (D&C 128:1) as I read. Then Alma 8:10 stood out in bold print to me, "Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in almighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city."
I knew that I needed to "labor in the spirit and wrestle in prayer" so that he would pour out his Spirit upon these young women and their families. I always pray that the young women will have his Spirit and follow its promptings, but I haven't prayed that it would simply be poured out upon them.
Picture a torrential rainfall with everyone and everything becoming completely soaked. I love that image of a young women being completely drenched in the Spirit!
Well, as I continued to read, I became so discouraged because Alma was preaching in AMMONIHAH! We all know what happens there-they were destroyed! Great. Am I praying in vain? What is Heavenly Father trying to tell me?
I kept reading, seeking for help and then...
"the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word" (Alma 16:16)
"Ammon seeing the Spirit of the Lord poured out according to his prayers upon the Lamanites, his brethern" (Alma 19:14)
"Thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them" (Alma 19:36)
"I thank my great God that he has given us a portion of his Spirit to soften
our hearts" (Alma 24:8)"And now, behold, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni, and their brethren did rejoice exceedingly, for the success which they had had among they Lamanites, seeing that the Lord had granted unto them according to their prayers." (Alma 25:17)
The Spirit confirmed that I was praying for the right thing-to pour
out his Spirit upon these young women-but I also need to not lose hope, because
they have agency and they may choose to reject his Spirit and me.They may not reject his Spirit and me permanently but don't expect a reply to the text, the phone to be answered, the door opened and full activity on Sundays and Mutual nights to start immediately, but be ready when they do.
So in earnest I am praying that his Spirit will be poured out upon my young women and I have the same wish as my Book of Mormon friends-"They fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their young women, to the knowledge of the truth." (italics added)
I testify that as we read the Book of Mormon seeking for answers to our prayers that we will receive them and that we are always blessed when we sustain our leaders. As you lead in your homes, the church and in the community, may the Lord pour out his Spirit upon you.
