Revelation As We Move Forward

1 Nephi 18:1
“…And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.”

I believe the Lord lets us see clearly “from time to time” but He wants us to use our agency to live as He lives. He gives us assurances and allows us to feel His love but I believe it is “from time to time” we receive these things and feel strong guidance to do or not to do certain things. Mortality is a test. It would not be difficult if we felt Him telling us “what manner [we] should work” all the time. He gently guides us as we stay close to Him, moving forward in faith.

Earlier Nephi had an experience that exemplified this principle. 1 Nephi 4:6-7 describes Nephi entering the city of Jerusalem to fulfill the commandment of the Lord. He knew the end objective but he did not know exactly how to proceed. He knew they were to acquire the brass plates and bring them back with them to his father but he did not know how and those things he had already tried had failed. It says, “[he] was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do. Nevertheless I went forth, and as [he] came near unto the house of Laban…”

Interesting, he felt somewhat guided by the Spirit but he was required to move forward with that knowledge he had already receive and then he had faith God would deliver him and prepare a way for him (1 Nephi 3:7).

In the path of righteousness, moving forward with trust in Heavenly Father, He does protect, comfort, guide, direct, and warn us. I have felt these blessings!

One key ingredient is we keep doing the things we know we should do. These things would include scripture study and pondering, sincere prayer, serving those around us, keep the commandments, and remaining true to all other commandments He has given us. Because “from time to time” He has already given us guidance and if we are not following what He has already given us, why would He give us more?

We can never become complacent in the path of discipleship. He will always require more of us in time. Otherwise, we would cease to become more like Him and that defeats the purpose of our mortal existence in this estate.

“Line upon line, precept upon precept” He gives us more. He also does not require us to move “faster than we have strength.” So we can trust Him.