Ask God where He wants you
“Ask God to put you just where He wants you,
And to tell you what He wants you to do,
And feel that you are on hand to do it.”
– John A. Widstoe, 1954 (Discourses of Brigham Young)
I find myself asking God quite frequently. Asking doesn’t seem to be the problem. I truly want to know where He wants me to be and what He wants me to do … but why am I not always “on hand” to do it?
The Lord consistently beckons ,“Come, follow me.” He tells those listening right where He wants them to be, and what He wants them to do. In the Bible, different believers respond differently to His call. Devoted disciples drop their nets and go. Other believers request time for one more thing – to say goodbye to others, to fulfill obligations, etc. They seek to finish their own agenda or fulfill other priorities before they begin their journey. (Read this fabulous article for more about that.)
Too often, I’m the one saying, “Just a second … let me just do this first … I’ll get this in order and then I will …” With good intentions, I tell myself I’ll follow those spiritual nudges when I am not so busy, or in the next season of life, or after a big project or even just after a tiny “to do” is checked off my list.
But that’s not who I want to be… I want to be His devoted disciple. I want to be on hand for the Lord. I want to be one of those who “straightway took his journey” (Matthew 25:15). I want to be one who “shall straightway glorify him” (John 13:32). I want to follow His command to “go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (D&C 101:60).
Bottom line is: I have to put down whatever it is that’s holding me back. Put down the fear … or the phone … or the worries or the wish-lists … or whatever. Put it down, and look UP. He is calling. He has a plan and place for each one of us. He has somewhere He wants us to be and specific things He wants us to do. And if we’re not there yet … let’s get on the path that leads there. And if we’re not doing it … let’s take steps toward doing it. By showing Him we’re prepared and preparing, we’ll show Him that we are on hand …. We’re ready to do His will.
That’s my little pep talk for myself today … What scriptures or quotes are inspiring you? I’d love to hear!
