What does it look like to let God prevail in your life? It can look like changing the plans that you've made for your life and letting God make those plans for you instead. It can look like serving a mission.
I received my patriarchal blessing when I was 14 years old. This blessing has served me well as I have already experienced some of the things that it said would come to pass. Things like being mocked and having to stand alone for living my life in harmony with God’s standards. I experienced that many times while in high school but was able to put it into context because my patriarchal blessing explained that it would happen throughout my life. My blessing also explained that I would find joy through missionary work. At first, I thought that it was just about sharing the gospel with my friends or setting a good example for others. But recently, it has taken on a new meaning for me.
After I graduated from high school last year, my intentions were to go to college at BYU-Idaho. I was accepted and was scheduled to start classes in September 2020, but due to COVID, all on-campus classes were cancelled. As a result, I stayed in Farmington and started taking on-line classes at San Juan College. I also got a job working at a pharmacy and just a few weeks ago I became a certified pharmacy technician. Because of my positive experiences while working at the pharmacy, I changed my major from business to nursing. I bought a car, was going to college and working. My short-term goals were to get my degree and begin a career in my chosen field. My path was set.
I was striving in my goals, but I felt unsettled. The thought of serving a mission became ever present. I prayed about what I should do. Stay in college and continue to work or go on a mission? The prompting I received was to read my patriarchal blessing. As I read the part about finding joy through missionary work, I received a powerful witness that God wants me to serve a full-time mission. A sweet feeling enveloped me, and I began to cry. I knew what I was supposed to do.
One of the questions that President Nelson asked us to ponder during his talk, Let God Prevail, was this: “are you willing to let whatever God needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition?” God’s will for me was revealed, and my decision was unwavering. A new path was set. School and career will have to wait. God needs me in the mission field, and the money I saved for college will now be used to pay for my mission. I told my mom that my plans have changed. God wants me to serve a mission. She and the rest of my family are fully supportive of my decision. It really didn't come as much of a surprise because they were also getting promptings that I would be serving a mission.
During a recent spiritual experience, I learned that my deceased papa, Bill Stevenson, would be a present but unseen missionary companion. One of his regrets was not serving a full-time mission in his youth for the Church. He let me know that he will serve his mission through me. We wil do it together. This has brought me much peace in addition to knowing that I will be able to share with others the joy of the gospel and to help others come unto Christ.
Submitted by Aspen Murray from Farmington, NM
April 2021
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