Week 96

Let God Prevail!

"Some misunderstand the promises of God to mean that obedience to Him yields specific outcomes on a fixed schedule. They might think, “If I diligently serve a full-time mission, God will bless me with a happy marriage and children” or “If I refrain from doing schoolwork on the Sabbath, God will bless me with good grades” or “If I pay tithing, God will bless me with that job I’ve been wanting.” If life doesn’t fall out precisely this way or according to an expected timetable, they may feel betrayed by God. But things are not so mechanical in the divine economy. We ought not to think of God’s plan as a cosmic vending machine where we (1) select a desired blessing, (2) insert the required sum of good works, and (3) the order is promptly delivered. 

God will indeed honor His covenants and promises to each of us. We need not worry about that. The atoning power of Jesus Christ—who descended below all things and then ascended on high and who possesses all power in heaven and in earth—ensures that God can and will fulfill His promises. It is essential that we honor and obey His laws, but not every blessing predicated on obedience to law is shaped, designed, and timed according to our expectations. We do our best but must leave to Him the management of blessings, both temporal and spiritual." ~Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Sorry for putting two long paragraphs at the beginning, but part of letting God into your life is being humble enough to let Him work in your life how He would do it. Not you! 

We had an amazing Zone Conference. President talked about the 2 great commandments and not focusing on the results, but rather focusing on loving God and just following those two great commandments. Sister Halvorson and President Halvorson at the end talked about our eternal potential. It was very touching and it connected a lot with what I've been studying and living and thinking about. 

We went on a hike today. It's called Gongen Mountain. We climbed up for 2 hours and it was cloudy. We looked at the "view" (literally nothing) and then went back down. There is an incredible lesson in this.

Was the hike any less because we didn't see the view? No! Was the whole hike and adventure a waste? No! Did we not grow? The answer is yes! 

Sometimes, God helps us climb our mountains and for whatever reason, it's cloudy and rather than thank God for helping us climb the major mountain in our life, we might doubt if He even helped us at all, even though in reality, there is a beautiful view right there, a new you! You just don't see it. 

Sometimes, we don't see those views. After a challenge, it might seem the same, but I promise that God does guide us if you let Him. I also promise that as you keep climbing those other mountains (obstacles, challenges, trials) God will show you the view, perfectly, clearly. 

Don't doubt God just because it's cloudy. He's there, He helped you get there and become a new person. Be grateful for the mountain and the polishing you receive from God.

We had so many miracles. A lady wants to learn more and we gave her a Book of Mormon! Another guy wants to meet. And a friend from our Eikaiwa went to church in another branch!

I testify God will guide us as we let Him prevail! 

Love

Elder Robertson

My great-grandpa Elden and great-grandma Lena. Sitting next to Elden is my grandpa, Darrell.

                                                                                                                                                                                   My grandpa Darrell and grandma Lois...at church with them during my home MTC fall of 2021.    

lj;sadf                                                                   My family in Ely, NV on Sunday with my grandma Raema Robertson