Continuing from Part One, Gene R. Cook writes:
Prepare for intense trials: Number five is to prepare for intense trials of your faith. Remember that when you begin to truly seek answers to prayer, there will be forces that will do all in their power to stop you. So don’t be surprised when opposition comes; in fact, you should expect it from the beginning. Then, when difficulties really descend upon you and you reach your blest moment, you have the opportunity to discover how much faith you really have.
Will you stand tall and strong in the face of all adversity? Will you still believe? Will you continue to press forward? Will you pay the price until you receive the blessing from the Lord (or until he tells you it’s no longer his will that you seek it)? Do these things and you will endure the trials well, and you’ll be that much closer to receiving the blessings you seek.
Expect to see the arm of the Lord revealed. Number six is to expect to see the arm of the Lord on your behalf. Because you’ve done the things the Lord required, you now have full reason that the Lord will intervene and assist you.
I like the way these ideas en-capsulize what is required in receiving answers to prayers. Remember them, ponder them when you’re trying to obtain an answer, and evaluate yourself:
- Do I really believe? Do I have faith in the Lord and his promises?
- Am I repentant of my sins?
- Do I pray as if it all depends on the Lord?
- Do I work as if everything depends upon me?
- Am I prepared to endure intense trials of my faith?
- After I’ve done all of these things, do I honestly expect to see the arm of the Lord revealed on my behalf?
When you are in the midst of the battle and need extra assistance, remember the Lord’s requirements and his promises, and you’ll be able to move ahead more surely. ~Gene R. Cook, A Year of Powerful Prayer (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2013), p.61-62
