Waiting on the Lord

Oftentimes, we treat the gospel like a machine. Effort in, result out. And since we know that God is required to bless us when we keep his commandments, that's not a bad metaphor.

But this is an incomplete view of the gospel. Oftentimes the blessings that we seek are a long, long time in coming.

For instance, I think of Sheri Dew. If there was ever anybody who deserved a loving, supportive marriage it's probably her. But she never got it. And so, the EFFORT--->BLESSING equation doesn't necessarily work.

Or does it? I submit it does. Read the following:

And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
~~Mosiah 2:41

Holding out faithful to the end is what this life is all about. There is a saying verging on a platitude in the church. "This life is not the reward. This life is the test."

Platitudinous for sure, but completely true!

So, what we need to do is expand the of parameters of our equation.

EFFORT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->BLESSING

It might take an entire's life worth of waiting! But the Lord keeps his promises. He wants to keep his promises. And so, serve on. Hope on. Continue to show great effort in the Lord for temporary blessings, for your love for him, and especially for the long-term blessing of being received into heaven!

And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you.
~~Mosiah 2:22

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
~~Hebrews 12:11



Amen!