Friday, October 25, 2013

Morning Missionary

Last week, my Driver's Ed instructor told us a story about a time when he'd had a prompting from the Holy Ghost to go home instead of continuing to hang out with his friends, when he was in high school, which ended up letting him avoid a serious car accident that night. When telling us the story he said, "I just had this feeling, telling me to go home. I didn't know why. It was only 8:00. But the feeling kept coming, so despite the protests of my friends, I left. To this day, I still haven't figured out what that feeling was."

Cue secret agent missionary senses tingling. Of course I knew he had felt the Holy Ghost, and I really wanted to tell him about it, but I didn't know how. He was my driver ed instructor. I hardly knew him. So I put it off. The class is only two weeks, with the last day being today. But I kept thinking about it. Throughout the course, this instructor made more comments which totally made me want to share the gospel with him, such as his views about coffee and addictive substances. But I didn't know how, so I let it be.

Wednesday morning I woke up three hours before I had to, and I couldn't get back to sleep, no matter what I tried. Normally it's hard for me to get out of bed at the mandatory time, so this was unusual. So I just laid in bed and tried to doze. I thought I could maybe go work on finding information about the Holy Ghost to give to my teacher, but I dismissed the thought easily.

Yesterday morning, I woke up an hour and a half early. This time though, I had the distinct prompting that I needed to find some information for my teacher. So, I rolled out of bed and looked through the church's information online about the Holy Ghost, but couldn't seem to find any that seemed exactly right to give to my instructor. So I called it quits for the morning, deciding I'd ask my parents about it later, which never really happened yesterday. As I went to sleep last night, I pondered whether I'd be able to, or whether I should give anything to my teacher. As I was falling asleep, I listened to a talk by President Monson- it was about missionary work, and seemed directly aimed at me. (Here it is. This is a stellar talk. I love it so much.)

This morning, I woke up an hour and a half early once more. I complained in my head, knowing I needed sleep, but the thought came to me that this is my last day of Driver Ed, and last opportunity to share the gospel with my teacher. I really argued the prompting this time, for about ten minutes, almost to the point where I didn't get out of bed. But I eventually did. I didn't know what I would find for my teacher, if anything, but decided that if it was the Lord's will that He would take care of things. Plus, I pray all the time for opportunities for missionary work and to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I didn't want to miss this. Once I got on the computer, I found the exact information to give my teacher, a precious pearl from the "Gospel Topics" section of the church's website. I coupled that with a couple paragraphs of my own, and voila! I felt inspired as I wrote to explain the information to my instructor, and shared a personal experience with the Holy Ghost. I am so excited to give it to him.

I know the Holy Ghost leads us. He lead me to be a missionary this week. I am so grateful for the missionary opportunities I'm given, and so very glad I didn't let this one slip through my fingers. Each time I follow promptings, I show Heavenly Father that he can depend on me to help build His kingdom on the earth.

If you have read through to the end of this post, congratulations. You get a prize of my gratitude and appreciation for reading my words, plus you're probably an awesome, patient person, which will do you favors later in life.

You have ninja missionary skills. Have you found them?

8 comments:

  1. You are awesome. I hope it all goes well, giving him the info! I'm giving an informative speech on Wednesday about the church, but I only have 5-7 minutes to talk and I'm not sure what I should say. I can't wing it, cuz I gotta turn in an outline beforehand.

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    1. Thank you so much! Good luck to you! Maybe talk about how the church was founded, why the Book of Mormon is important, emphasize that we ARE Christians, debunk common misconceptions, and bear a simple testimony at the end. Pray for inspiration, and you can't go wrong! I'm praying for you!

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  2. Your courage absolutely astounds me. That is so awesome! Way to go, and thank you for your wonderful example!

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    1. Thanks, Sarah! I just love how much you love my posts. You're the best!

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  3. Hey Whitney,
    I've been following your posts for a while now and just want to say you are amazing! I want the faith you have, the trust you have, and the strength you have. Keep doing what you're doing, because you bless so many people you don't even know (I am just one who decided to comment. Hundreds more have read your words and may have felt something different, something special in you. )

    I was raised in a Mormon environment, but am now having some trouble with doubts. :/ any advice ?

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    1. Thank you so much!! That really means a lot to me! I've been struggling with keeping up with my blog, and your words were timed perfectly to help me keep it going! Thank you!

      As for doubts, I suggest taking Moroni's promise (Moroni 10:3-5) and praying to know if the Book of Mormon and the gospel is true. Right before gaining a testimony, each person goes through doubts about the church. This happens because they truly realize that they cannot lean on the testimony of another any longer, and that they have to learn for themselves that it is true. It's kind of disconcerting because you believed for a long time, then all of a sudden you begin wondering if all of what you believe is ACTUALLY true. This happened to me. When I was eleven, I began to doubt. But only enough to want to get my own testimony. I prayed about it a lot. And I read the scriptures a lot. I didn't get an answer immediately, though. It took time, at least six months of earnest prayer. I might have fasted, too. I don't remember. But Heavenly Father answered my prayer. It was not a huge "Aha!" moment, but the knowledge came gradually until I just knew that it was true. Ever since then, my testimony has increased as I have kept attending church, going to girls camp, EFY, reading my scriptures daily, praying, etc. I KNOW without a doubt that the Lord will answer your prayers and give you the knowledge you seek so long as you pray earnestly. I know this beautiful gospel is true. But don't take it from me. Learn it for yourself. Try looking this up, for starters: 3 Nephi 14:7-8. It's golden. I really think it's relevant to you and that it will help you. Best of luck! I shall be praying for you!

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    2. That was exactly what has been happening to me! Thank you so much.

      Yeah, I guess I've just realized that I need to just trust that God will answer my prayers. One scripture that I felt really connected to was 2Nephi 31:19-20. Before I knew it was scripture mastery I knew that it was something I needed to ponder on. I am so grateful I have had the opportunity to memorize and ponder it this year at seminary!

      You truly are an answer to so many peoples prayers.

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    3. Oh my goodness, you are SO welcome!
      I am so happy for you that you're figuring things out! He will answer your prayers! In His own time and way! Actually, sometimes it takes practice to realize answers to prayers. But you can also pray to be better at realizing answers to prayers. And the more in tune you are with the Holy Ghost and better relationship you have with your Heavenly Father and Redeemer, the easier it will be!

      You are so fabulous! I love that you are learning these things for yourself! This will prove to be a huge blessing in your life, and in the lives of those around you! Keep it up, girly! And keep in touch!

      Thank you soooo much! That means a lot to me and makes me feel really special!

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