One of the things that struck me as our family listened to General Conference was President Nelson’s statement that “The Lord loves effort.” He continued to explain that there are blessings that the Lord has prepared for us but that are conditional on our willingness to take the actions necessary to receive them.
This is reminiscent of the principles taught in the “Prayer” section of the Bible Dictionary, which writes that, “Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.” The effort we expend in prayer helps us to achieve blessings the Lord wants to give, or as the Bible Dictionary continues, “The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them.” As we continue to work through this challenging time, one effort that has sustained me and my family has been the effort of faithful and thoughtful prayer.
Another way in which the Lord asks us to undertake effort to receive blessings is underscored in the teachings of King Benjamin about service. Undoubtedly, service takes effort, but hopefully it is a joyful effort. Service certainly brings blessings to the recipient for sure–we’ve appreciated the charitable acts of neighbors, friends, youth leaders, and primary teachers as we’ve worked through the challenges of this period of social distancing. Service, even small and simple acts of kindness, not only a way for us to help one another, but it is an effort that we put forward to serve our Heavenly Father. Certainly the range of service we can do during this time of a pandemic is different than what we might otherwise consider, but small acts of kindness–a friendly phone call, an email, or a kind though–can make all the difference.
Brothers and Sisters, it is my hope that even in these challenging times we can engage in effort with the Lord to receive the blessing he has in store for us.
Damon Cann, Ward Sunday School President