We live in the "dispensation of the fulness of times" (D&C 124:41). More gospel truths are available in this day than any past age. This may lead some to believe that within the words of ancient and modern prophets are or at least should be the answers to all our questions. This is not the case. In fact, “Mortality was designed, in a manner of speaking, as the season of unanswered questions”(Lance B. Wickman, “But If Not,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 30).
Lehi, in describing our life on earth, said: "Men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself" ( 2 Ne. 2:27, emphasis added).
In the words of scripture and of modern prophets, coupled with personal inspiration, we have all the knowledge we need to return with our families to God's presence. We are given what is needed to make good choices and thereby to steadily become more like the Savior. However, it is easy to fall victim to the thought that if we can't find the answer in our own way and in our time, that there is no answer and that the lack of an answer is proof that the gospel isn't true.
This is a trap set by the adversary. He knows that for those who aren't sufficiently strong in faith, humble and patient or who are asking the wrong questions, doubts will arise. Doubt, if left unchecked, will destroy faith.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf cautioned, "It’s natural to have questions... There are few members of the Church who, at one time or another, have not wrestled with serious or sensitive questions. One of the purposes of the Church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faith—even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty. Faith is to hope for things which are not seen but which are true (Ether 12:6). Therefore . . . please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Come, Join with Us," Ensign, November 2013).
Why are there so many unanswered questions? An important insight is provided in these words of Elder Neal A. Maxwell: "[Brigham Young] was asked a question which bears upon our need to endure…: ‘Why are [we] left alone and often sad?’ His response was that man has to learn to ‘act as an independent being . . . to see what he will do . . . to practice him . . . to be righteous in the dark—to be the friend of God.’” (Neal A. Maxwell, If Thou Endure It Well, Chapter 7 footnotes.)
One of life's tests is to faithfully press on in spite of unanswered questions. The Lord wants to see what we will do to be true to what we know, while wrestling with what we don't know. If we refuse to move forward in faith until the we receive the answers to our serious questions, we have for that moment faltered in the test. To stick doggedly to that positon is to fail the test.
Why Haven't Our Questions Been Answered?
There are many reasons we may not have received answers to our questions. Let us consider a few of them.
Are We Asking the Wrong Question?
Perhaps we haven't received an answer because we haven't asked the right question. For example, when we are passing through adversity we might ask the question, "Why is this happening to me?" "The question 'Why me?' can be a difficult one to answer and often leads to frustration and despair. There is a better question to ask ourselves. That question is 'What could I learn from this experience?'" (Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Press On," Ensign, November 2004).
As we deal with a question, it would be wise to prayerfully ponder whether or not we have asked the right question. Perhaps we could go to the temple in search of a better question.
Are We Living the Gospel?
We cannot expect answers from God if we are not being faithful to the knowledge we have already received.
"Whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction" (1 Nephi 15:24). Doubts that kill faith can lead to spiritual blindness. Blindness to things of the Spirit leads to certain destruction. To receive an answer from the Spirit, we must be worthy.
"It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him" (Alma 12:9, emphasis added). Obedience is the price for inspiration.
Are We Sufficiently Patient?
Elder Neal A. Maxwell defined patience as follows: "Patience is not indifference. Actually, it is caring very much, but being willing, nevertheless, to submit both to the Lord and to what the scriptures call the 'process of time.' Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than his" (Neal A. Maxwell, "Patience," Ensign, Oct. 1980, 28).
Elder Dallin H. Oaks shared the following pertinent insight: "Faith in the Lord is trust in the Lord. We cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord’s will and in the Lord’s timing. As a result, no matter how strong our faith is, it cannot produce a result contrary to the will of Him in whom we have faith. Remember that when your prayers [questions] do not seem to be answered in the way or at the time you desire" (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Atonement and Faith,” Ensign, Apr 2010, 30).
Do We Have Real Intent?
To have real intent, we must be willing to do the Lord's will when we receive the answer. That was the case for Joseph Smith. He went to the grove to pray, so that he could learn which church was true and then join it. Are we willing to respond in that manner to the answers we receive from God? If not, the Lord will likely not give us the answers we seek.
"Faith in Jesus Christ propels us to do things we otherwise would not do. Faith that motivates us to action gives us more access to His power [inspiration]" (Russell M. Nelson, "Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives," April 2017 General Conference).
I suspect there are few of us who don't have unanswered questions I certainly do. The real issue is what we will do about them. I have chosen not to allow the questions for which I don't have answers to outweigh those for which I do.
I know that we have a living, loving Heavenly Father. I know that Jesus Christ is the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Savior and Redeemer of the World. I know the Book of Mormon is true; therefore I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that God has restored His gospel, His priesthood, and priesthood keys to the earth through him. This testimony, borne to me of the Spirit, outweighs by far any unanswered questions. Therefore, I know that in faith, with obedience and in the Lord's time everything else I need to know will be revealed.
In General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson quoted the following scripture three times: "He that keepeth [God's] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things" (D&C 93:28). The Lord has promised the obedient that in due time they will have the answer to every question. "There hath not failed one word of all his good promise" (1 Kings 8:56). This I know is true.
As you seek peace in your daily life, I commend to you reading daily in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Prayerfully reading this divine book will draw you nearer to Jesus Christ than any other book. As a companion scripture to the Bible, it will bring you peace and a nearness to the Savior that will bless your daily life with strength through trial and peace in troubled times. Here is a link to obtain a free copy of this book: churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/free-book-of-mormon
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