Personal Revelation

In 1 Nephi 16, we can recall the account of Lehi's group receiving the Liahona outside of Lehi's tent. The Liahona told them which direction they should travel in the wilderness to get to the promise land. As individuals now whom live in such a convenient time in history, as we can get in our cars, and call moving companies to help us, we can sympathize with Lehi's family complaining as they were traveling to the Promise Land. One thing we can consider as we sympathize with their struggles is how often we do these same kinds of ungrateful behaviors? Lehi's group had sacrificed many comforts and were following the directions of the Liahona even when Nephi's bow broke. They had hunger and fatigue even when following what the Lord had directed. Sometimes we will follow our own Liahona or personal directions that have been given in our own lives, and we can have our own broken bow experience. We might not be as strong as Nephi and feel to complain as his family did? We might even feel to blame our struggles on our leaders as Nephi could have done as he watched his father complain? But the answer lies in these verses as we see that Nephi did not doubt if he was on the right path because of a trial along his path. Instead Nephi sought for further direction from his Father , and the prophet and the Lord, as he prayed and continued to follow the directions given in the Liahona.  I am reminded of a conference talk given by Elder Bednar about revelation from God.  In 2011 Elder Bednar explained how we learn what the Lord wants us to do here a little and there a little.  As Nephi's bow broke, it did not mean his first instructions were wrong , or that the personal revelation received by way of the Liahona was not correct....it only meant that there will always be trials even as we do what is right, and as we continue in faith, further light and knowledge will be revealed.  Elder Bednar explains: "A light turned on in a dark room is like receiving a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once. Many of us have experienced this pattern of revelation as we have been given answers to sincere prayers or been provided with needed direction or protection, according to God’s will and timing. Descriptions of such immediate and intense manifestations are found in the scriptures, recounted in Church history, and evidenced in our own lives. Indeed, these mighty miracles do occur. However, this pattern of revelation tends to be more rare than common. The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30). Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently “distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121:45). This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare and is evident in the experiences of Nephi as he tried several different approaches before successfully obtaining the plates of brass from Laban (see 1 Nephi 3–4). Ultimately, he was led by the Spirit to Jerusalem, “not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do” (1 Nephi 4:6). And he did not learn how to build a ship of curious workmanship all at one time; rather, Nephi was shown by the Lord “from time to time after what manner [he] should work the timbers of the ship” (1 Nephi 18:1). Both the history of the Church and our personal lives are replete with examples of the Lord’s pattern for receiving revelation “line upon line, precept upon precept.” For example, the fundamental truths of the restored gospel were not delivered to the Prophet Joseph Smith all at once in the Sacred Grove. These priceless treasures were revealed as circumstances warranted and as the timing was right." 1 Nephi 16: "16 And we did follow the directions of the ball, which led us in the more fertile parts of the wilderness. 17 And after we had traveled for the space of many days, we did pitch our tents for the space of a time, that we might again rest ourselves and obtain food for our families. 18 And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to slay food, behold, I did break my bow, which was made of fine steel; and after I did break my bow, behold, my brethren were angry with me because of the loss of my bow, for we did obtain no food. 19 And it came to pass that we did return without food to our families, and being much fatigued, because of their journeying, they did suffer much for the want of food. 20 And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful, even that they did murmur against the Lord. 21 Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, having been afflicted with my brethren because of the loss of my bow, and their bows having lost their springs, it began to be exceedingly difficult, yea, insomuch that we could obtain no food. 22 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did speak much unto my brethren, because they had hardened their hearts again, even unto complaining against the Lord their God. 23 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow; wherefore, I did arm myself with a bow and an arrow, with a sling and with stones. And I said unto my father: Whither shall I go to obtain food? 24 And it came to pass that he did inquire of the Lord, for they had humbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul." I have often made the mistake of doubting personal revelation that I received for myself, as things did not go as I expected, but through this account I can see that it was wrong of me to doubt answers that I know I received , just because there was a trial along the way. I am sorry that I have not been as faithful as Nephi. What a wonderful example that I have in him. I hope and pray that I will never doubt personal revelation that I received and followed just because things don't always go smoothly as I would like.  I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.