Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder Robert E. Wells issued a special promise to the Salt Lake City Mission. The instructions were to make a list of those in your life who were less active, struggling, non-members, etc. You were to include them in your morning and evening prayers. As you did this, you were also to read specific scriptures each day. By the end of the 21 days, the Lord promises that at least one of the individuals will experience a change of heart. They quoted D&C 82:10 "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."
I'm just coming up on the last 5 days of my challenge. I can't say that any of my friends have had lightening bolt moments and suddenly want to be baptized or reactivated. But I can say that I've had the opportunity to speak more with them about the Gospel. I've had the chance to clear up some misconceptions and share my testimony about certain parts of the Gospel like temple work and tithing. Just planting little seeds, as it may be.
Here's the scriptures if you'd like to do your own list and participate:
1 Nephi 3:7
1 Nephi 11:1-6
2 Nephi 2:24-29
2 Nephi 31: 10-15
2 Nephi 32: 7-9
2 Nephi 33: 4, 12
Enos 1:1-8
Alma 5:13-16, 33-36, 46
Alma 17:2-4
Alma 34: 18-24
Alma 37: 37-40, 43-45
Helamen 3: 27-30, 35
3 Nephi 12: 2-16
3 Nephi 13: 7-15
3 Nephi 17: 18-25
Moroni 6: 1-6
Moroni 7: 6-9
Moroni 7: 15-18, 26
Moroni 7: 44-48
Moroni 10: 3-5
3 Nephi 18: 18-21
The progression of the scriptures and what they say is probably one of my favorite parts. Its been a fun thing to do and a great blessing at the same time.
3 comments:
I love that you wrote about this! And this was a great experience for me too!
The first thing I realized was that I know A LOT more people who aren't members of the LDS Church than I realized. I began my list, began praying, and then even more names came to me. Wow!
Second, even though none of these friends are taking missionary discussions [yet :)], I've been able to get to know many of them even better over the past few weeks of praying for them. It's been great!
I believe that only when we are willing to take that step - out of our comfort zone - do we truly Lengthen Our Stride. I loved your thoughts on this post!
So as an "inactive" I will say that it's your actions that speak louder than anything. I am always grateful when someone stops by to see how I am doing. They leave a little message and it stirs up feelings that I wouldn't have thought about if they hadn't stopped by. To know that others care about you is such an uplifting feeling. You may not see the results today, tomorrow or even years but know that it is doing something. You are amazing Amy!
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