Our family recently had a decision to make, which seemed extremely difficult, and I could not come up with an answer. As I studied it out in my mind and listing the pros and cons on paper, I kept thinking of this scripture:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
I thought, okay, I need to trust in the Lord. At this point I was more than willing because I did not want to lean on my own understanding-I didn't have any! So then I asked myself, am I acknowledging him in ALL things, or just the things I am wanting his help with? Over the next few days I tried especially hard to remember Christ always and praying for an answer feeling like an answer could be received any time through any one. I still struggled. I felt like I would get an answer, and immediatly after change my mind.
The next thing I thought to do-study faith. I turned to the scriptures and started looking up scriptures under the topical guide. I found many things, but a few offered greater support with my current situation. "The trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:3). I needed to be patient. It was okay that I wasn't getting an answer right away. I knew Alma's prayers were answered because of his faith. As long as I kept praying, with faith, the Lord would answer my prayer. And last, faith gives us strength. Alma the Younger prayed, "Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound" (Alma 14:26). I thought, if I exercise faith, I can receive the strength I need, while I wait with patience for an answer to my prayer.
To make a long story short, that Sunday my husband and I fasted and prayed together and were able to come to a decision we felt good about, not changing our minds afterwards. I feel blessed knowing that we can pray to a loving Heavenly Father who knows what we need, and He can give us answers and offer guidance in difficult times. I know that it takes effort on our part, and faith to go forward, not knowing what is best, but as we exercise our faith, a confirmation will come.
