One of my favorite stories is when President Monson felt impressed one General Conference to deviate from his prepared remarks and speak directly to a little girl seated in the north balcony of the Tabernacle.
During a particularly difficult and painful personal trial, I sought my Heavenly Father in prayer, asking Him for a special message during an upcoming Stake Conference session. I spent a great deal of time on my knees, pleading for a personal message and comfort from the heavy burdens of this trial.
As I drove to the Stake Center, I had a prayer in my heart, asking once again to receive the blessing this little girl had received.
I had volunteered to serve as an usher during the morning session of the conference, so I was seated close to the doors in the back of the chapel. It must have been one of the first speakers–a member of the Stake Presidency, I think–who started his talk with the message I had prayed for.
I do not recall the exact words he spoke, but I remember him saying that he felt impressed that several had come seeking answers to prayers. He said that he felt impressed to let us know that our Heavenly Father was aware of our struggles and that he would bless us with peace and comfort.
As the counselor spoke these words, I had to leave the chapel as I was overcome with emotion. I entered one of the open offices, fell to my knees, and wept. I felt a tremendous sense of gratitude that my prayer had been answered. As I was on my knees, I offered a prayer of thanks to my Heavenly Father for the reassurance that He loved me and that I was not left without comfort.
In a few short days, I will leave my family to start a new job in Connecticut. My wife has felt a great deal of anxiety about the impending move and has prayed seeking for comfort and answers to her prayers. During both of Saturday’s sessions, she heard talks that were direct answers to her prayers.
I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers prayers. He will not leave us comfortless (John 14:8).
Good luck and God bless you, Brian. I’ll be praying for you (and more so for your wife.) 🙂
Brian,
This brought tears to my eyes, for lots of reasons, not the least of which is that it reminds me of a very specific experience when I went to our stake conference (which was a regional broadcast) struggling with feeling different. (Chronic illness can do that to a person, and it was a rare thing for me to even be able to get up to go to such a conference — which was part of the struggle…10 am for most people is LATE. For me it’s really, really early.)
Anyway, I prayed that morning to please, please let there be something that would help me.
This talk was the first talk in the meeting. I was sitting front and center; I couldn’t leave the chapel without climbing over way too many people. I sobbed for quite a while. It was such an amazing, specific answer to my prayer and feelings that it still leaves me stunned to think about.
Thank you for sharing this, and I send my best to you and your family during this challenging time — praying that you and yours will be able to continue to feel this kind of comfort and knowledge that God is aware of you.
Brian, being overcome by the Spirit like that is just an amazing experience. I can recall just about every time that has happened to me. It is like you are literally being touched by the finger of God, and it is marvelous. All the best on your move — I looked up the city you will be working in, and it is right next to the Hartford airport. Too bad it’s far from a temple. But not as far as it used to be for me in Miami!
Good luck with your job and thanks for this. Remind your wife that having a job in these days is a blessing no matter where. Whoever said that today’s Prophets and Apostles don’t have revelations don’t understand the needs of individual Saints and the Love of God. It amazes me how much revelation is given during General Conference to those who are listening to the Spirit and not looking for signs and new theology.
Thank you, Bruce. The prayers are appreciated. Thankfully, just prior to announcing our move, the EQ presidency assigned our family a new set of home teachers who have been diligent and faithful in watching over my family. I am grateful that this good EQ president followed the promptings of the Spirit in assigning us these good brethren.
Michelle, thank you for sharing that story with me. What a powerful testimony of the reality of a Living God who loves us and is mindful of us.
Geoff, hopefully the construction of the Hartford Temple will commence soon. Either way, though, Boston is a relatively short train ride away from Hartford.
Jettboy, so true about revelation!! This conference has been filled with inspiration and an outpouring of the Spirit of God!
This is lovely, Brian. I’m so glad I stopped by.
Congrats on the new job and move. I’m sending good vibes to you and to your family.
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Lovely post Brian. It is difficult to leave familiar places and loved ones, but so much to see and do in New England; what a great experience for your kids. Good luck with your family’s new adventure. We can’t wait to hear about it.
Thank you, Melanie. I appreciate the kind words.
Joanna, although it is difficult to leave Arizona, I am looking forward to this new adventure. I will be sure to share pictures on Facebook.