On Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in the BYU-Idaho Center, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, a general authority seventy, centered his devotional talk on the importance of personal revelation in daily decision-making even when the best choice isn’t always clear.
He asked the congregation to show by raising their hands if they plan on making decisions in the next 10 years. He gave several examples of life-altering decisions including serving a mission, career path and marriage. He mentioned that these types of decisions will require personal revelation.
“In the next 10 years of your life, all of you will be making big life decisions — important choices — that will greatly influence the path and trajectory of your life,” Elder Meredith said. “Although these are not decisions of a moral nature, these are decisions for which you will want to seek heavenly guidance, even revelation.”
He followed by sharing the process in which a new stake president is called and the revelation that church leaders need to receive in order to call the right individual. He mentioned that first, church authorities will pray and fast to begin their decision and then ponder on potential decisions. After that, they meet with other authorities to decide. Once they have chosen, they will pray again to receive confirmation and revelation that the correct decision has been made.
“The confirmation from the Holy Ghost to sincere inquiries about life decisions is usually a process and rarely an event,” Elder Meredith said. “Pay attention to those small and simple reassurances that often come over a period of time.”
He went on to discuss three common questions that Latter-day Saints may ask themselves when it comes to seeking divine revelation:
— How do I recognize the Spirit?
— What do I do if I do not feel an answer?
— What if I feel differently later?
He answered each question through scriptural examples from both ancient and recent prophets. He reminded the congregation that Heavenly Father is more interested in growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ than comfort.
In closing, Elder Meredith shared his testimony and promised a blessing to those who would strive to receive personal revelation for the big decisions they would make in the next 10 years.
“In conclusion, I promise you that as you seek for revelation, exercise your energy and use the good mind that the Lord has blessed you with, you will walk in the light of the Lord,” Elder Meredith said. “I leave my witness with you that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us beyond measure. I testify that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer.”