From Ardeth G. Kapp, her book “Doing What We Came to Do — living a life of love”
One of the most important principles and promises of our Father’s plan is that of personal revelation. Our mission in life for each one of us is personal. I pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost for me—and for you—to help us increase our understanding and enlarge our capacity to benefit from this remarkable gift.
Personal revelation requires that our Father in Heaven know us personally. He knows our names and our personal challenges. He knows what we have the power to become. He knows the influence we can be making not just a difference but a profound difference—not in the entire world, perhaps, but within our circle of influence.
We know our birth at this particular time was foreordained in the eternities. We have a foreordained mission. It is according to the eternal plan that we are walking the path of mortality at this time and in this place. The Lord is counting on each of us.
With that realization, you might go out some starry night, look up into the grandeur of the sky, and ponder, “Why me? Why now? Why here? Am I doing what I came to do? Am I on course or do I need a little course correction?” Yes, we need course corrections! But that is no reason to become discouraged. We are bound to make mistakes, to have disappointments and feelings of failure. That is part of mortality and no one can escape it. But, frankly, there are ways for us to make course corrections, to change who we are to who we may become—living with joy and anticipation, with an eternal perspective and sweet assurance.
Consider these words of Elder M. Russell Ballard to the women of the Church. Hear them as if he was speaking to you personally. “More than ever before we need women of faith, virtue, vision. . . . we need women who can hear the voice of the Lord, women who at all costs will defend and protect the family. . . . and their eternal destiny. Above all, we need women who rejoice in their womanhood and have spiritual confirmation of their identity, their value, and their eternal destiny. Above all, we need women who will stand up for truth and righteousness and decry evil at every turn and simply say, ‘Lord, here am I, send me’ ” (Women of righteousness,” 72-73).
Today, more than any other time in history, the world needs women who know the Lord and know themselves—women who will take a stand. It is no wonder Satan tries to deceive, confuse, and distract women in any way possible. Women, particularly mothers are at the very heart of the great plan of happiness. The battle between right and wrong, between good and evil, is real and increasing. We know it will accelerate. Satan has marshaled his forces for the last great battle. And this is our time—the time for us to be prepared in every way possible to receive the whisperings of the Spirit in our minds and in our hearts. Many are counting on us.
Let us consider five principles related to personal revelation—this glorious gift that allows you and me to be in communication with our Father in Heaven when we choose to follow the path. (Continued with. . . .)
- God is our Father and we are His children.
- The Holy Ghost communicates in many ways.
- Communication involves talking, listening and remembering.
- Learning to listen and to trust is essential.
- You can receive personal revelation. . . . . (These five will be covered in a coming post.)
Ardeth G. Kapp,”Doing What We Came to Do — living a life of love” (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2012), 95
