I have experienced many answers to prayer. I know the Lord hears my prayers, He is my friend.
Nevertheless, I am currently trying to determine if an “impression” I received a few days ago, is from the Lord, or the workings of my mind.
I have been researching and praying about a particular business pursuit I have been involved with for years. Something I’ve been doing on the side from my main business, but would like to spend more time doing. So far, I haven’t been successful at this endeavor even though I have invested considerable time and money.
A few months ago I went to the temple with the express purpose of receiving help regarding this business endeavor. I left the temple with the conviction that I should continue my research and investigation, in other words, intensify my effort.
I did this and the results were expensive and discouraging. As I reviewed my results, I ask myself, why in the world am I wasting my effort on this losing endeavor?
While in this frame of mind, I felt “enlightenment” come to me, so every delicate in its influence, and lasting only a few moments, encouraging me to continue with the endeavor.
As I write this I am torn between the rational and the spiritual—mixed emotions. Was I prompted by the Spirit? I’m not certain, but I know what I’m going to do. I am going to trust my prompting, take another step in this endeavor, and then wait on the Lord. I always consult with my wife in these matters, she feels the same way.
I have faith that the Lord will lead me to the next step if He is the author of the prompting. If not, then I will abandon this endeavor with a clear conscience. I already have another business endeavor I am ready to move on to.
The Words of the Prophets
I like to review the words of the prophets when I am seeking help from the Lord. Following are two quotes that I am currently focusing my attention on.
“Seldom will you receive a complete response all at once. It will come a piece at a time, in packets, so that you will grow in capacity. As each piece is followed in faith, you will be led to other portions until you have the whole answer. That pattern requires you to exercise faith in our Father’s capacity to respond.” Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer, Elder Richard G. Scott, March 31, 2007
“…promptings of the Spirit are so subtle and so quiet that sometimes it is very, very difficult to know whether an answer is “yes” or “no.” Sometimes it’s very difficult to know whether you have been spoken to by the Spirit or not….the Spirit usually speaks in feelings, thoughts, ideas, and impressions. The voice of the Spirit is still and small, and if we’re looking for something more, or if we’re not being very quiet and attentive, we’ll likely miss the answer when it comes.” Receiving Answers to Our Prayers, Gene R. Cook, P. 94.<–>
After reading through the above passage several times, I came to the conclusion that every final decision must be taken after prayers…even if painfully required.