Jacob 4

Carving on the plates was hard work that Jacob rejoiced in because it was an opportunity to preserve the gospel and his testimony for posterity. Sometimes I tend to stay away from things that are hard work, without considering their value. I want to do the fast easy thing and get to the next thing on my checklist. I feel like I need to consider the value of how I am spending my time, I make decision based on that instead of work level. 

Found this quote in further study this morning: 
 Many of us today have a tendency to seek instant strength, instant pleasure, instant acceptance, instant relief, instant answers, instant change, instant success, instant knowledge, instant wealth, omitting day-by-day effort and work. We become discouraged and get more feeble kneed if goals are not reached immediately. Work is a necessary pattern in the solid life.

In verse 6 Jacob talks about searching the prophets to have the spirit which lead to hope and then an unshaken faith. Even so long ago, the prophets were counseling us, as they are today, to strengthen our testimony by reading the scriptures. I’m grateful to have chosen to read this morning, and for the reminder of the value, right after the reminder of considering the value of the things I do.

Verse 8 addresses the science questions. “Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways.” We can’t understand everything, so don’t be thrown by the things you don’t understand. And if you want to understand more, that comes through revelation only, not doubting and worrying.

Verse 10 gets into true prayer when it talks about not seeking to counsel the Lord, but take counsel from Him. That was such a big moment for me when I understood that prayer was not just a wishing well to ask for blessings that may or may not be granted. It is an opportunity to communicate with the Lord and understand His will and make it our own. I think I forget that in my own pleading for things sometimes. But I’ve felt reminded of it lately when praying about Omar’s job. As I think about it now, I haven’t really been communicating, I’ve just been asking for the solution I want.