FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

If stated as an equation, the way to achieve true conversion might be expressed as:

humility+godly sorrow+prayer+repentance+patience=conversion

One scripture that expresses this process is Mosiah 21:14-16, where the people of Limhi meet Ammon and are converted.

"And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions."

"And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to . . . ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage."

"And it came to pass that they began to prosper by degrees . . . "

There are several key lessons to be learned from this passage:

1. Though it sometimes may seem that God doesn't hear our cries, He does. Perhaps, He is slow in His answer because of our iniquities. When we feel that our prayers are not being heard, maybe it's time to take a good look at our lives and see if repentance is needed.

2. The Lord doesn't always deliver us out of bondage when we ask Him to, but if we take time to notice, we will usually find small daily miracles, ways that He is easing our burdens, allowing us to continue on. Sometimes the burdens we carry serve to strengthen us, therefore He cannot always take them away, lest we remain weak forever.

3. God usually allows us to 'prosper by degrees,' rather than all at once. Why? I feel that it is to see if we will acknowledge His hand in our lives. Do we show gratitude for the little blessings we receive each day? Or are we waiting for a mega download of blessings all at once?

I testify that while true conversion doesn't always come easily, it does come to those who follow the formula. Those who seek God with patience, in turn receive His comfort and direction, and their lives will never be the same.

"Treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle tthee in the arms of my love" (D&C 6:20).