Before I post about the challenge, I issue my sincere apology for not posting the last few weeks and express my heart-felt regret for the experiences and opportunities that I, and maybe even some have you, have missed out on because I allowed moving and school to distract me from these goals. I cannot promise that it won't happen again- I am human after all- but I beg all of you who are reading this to bare with me through my weaknesses. I have no desire whatsoever to skip a single challenge so I am picking up where I left off. Many of you may have continued in my absence. I thank you for being so diligent, and pray that you will not be too upset with my poor example.
Challenge: Learn how to make life's decisions.
Promise: You will see more clearly the right forks in the road.
Dunn relates the story of a man seeking an apostle's guidance because he felt that-- despite his prayer, study, and faith-- he had not received direction. The apostle most wisely corrected: "You have left out [a] step...which is to make your own decision, based on your goals and on the feelings you have had in prayer. The Lord's promise is that he will confirm or disavow our decisions, not that he will make the decisions for us...."
Many times in life we become so lost and confused that in our dire need we think how much easier hard decisions would be if Heavenly Father chose the correct path for us. Fortunately, God does not operate this way. I say fortunately because-- even though it is difficult-- I reflect on the growth and confidence I gain from following the deciding process as the apostle above instructs and see the value of careful study, prayer, and thought before approaching God with a decision. While we review the many avenues laid before our feet and pour our hearts out to God, He will direct our thoughts to the right option. Just because He has not confirmed or denied a decision yet, does not mean He will not help you make it.
I know this is shorter compared to past commentaries, but, as Nephi said, "the things which I have written sufficeth me..." (1 Nephi 14:26). I leave you to the challenge with one more comment: I encourage you to select one decision currently on your plate and set aside five to ten minutes a day to contemplate, study, and pray about the issue. Then, whenever you feel you have reached the appropriate decision, kneel and explain to Heavenly Father, in detail, why you have reached it and ask to know if it is the correct choice for you. "...and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right," (Doctrine & Covenants 9:8)
Good Luck!
