Gospel Q&A is a series from LDS Daily that strives to answer important gospel questions from readers. Today, we answer the question, “How can I better understand and accept God’s will?”
Do you have a question you’d like to see answered? Send us an email at calledtoshare@ldsdaily.com or leave it in the comments below.
Featured image by The Everyday Christ.
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Agency, or our ability to choose and act for ourselves, is one of the greatest privileges God has bestowed on us. It stands to reason then that using our agency to submit ourselves to God’s will is one of our greatest opportunities—and greatest challenges.
We all have our own plans and desires, but aligning our will with His can lead to profound growth and blessings. How can we get there? What are some practical steps to deepen our understanding and acceptance of God’s will in our lives?
Ask Daily How You Can Build the Kingdom of God
One powerful way to better understand and accept God’s will is by actively seeking ways to build His kingdom each day. Recently, I’ve noted selfishness in me. I am so focused on what I want and how to get it. I don’t often stop to ask God how I can better serve Him.
By earnestly asking in prayer, “How can I contribute to God’s work?” and acting upon the promptings we receive, we open our hearts to His guidance and invite His will to be manifested in our lives. When we have real intent to magnify our callings, minister to others, and testify of Christ, we align our desires with God’s eternal purposes. Have the courage to ask Him to use you to build His kingdom.
Give Yourself Space to Grieve Your Plans
Nothing is harder than letting go of dreams, especially when they align with righteous principles and have been earnestly worked for. It is natural to feel a sense of loss and disappointment. It is important to give ourselves space to grieve and process these emotions. By acknowledging our feelings and bringing them to the Lord in prayer, we allow Him to heal and comfort our hearts. Recognizing that it is okay to mourn the loss of our own plans opens the door for God’s will to enter and transform our perspective, ultimately leading to greater understanding and acceptance.
Regularly Study Your Patriarchal Blessing
Your patriarchal blessing contains insights, promises, and guidance tailored specifically to you and your unique mission in life. It serves as a compass, reminding us of our divine potential, highlighting our spiritual gifts, and offering guidance on how to align our choices with God’s will. As we prayerfully study and ponder our patriarchal blessing, the Holy Spirit can provide insights and promptings, illuminating our path and helping us recognize the hand of God in our lives.
You may also want to study other blessings you’ve received throughout your life and ask for blessings specifically for the strength to accept God’s plans for your future.
Follow the Example of Christ in Gethsemane
The most profound example of submission to God’s will is found in the Savior’s experience in the Garden of Gethsemane. As we study His example, we learn that true acceptance of God’s will requires humility, faith, and trust. Like Jesus, we can pour out our hearts to God, expressing our desires, while also expressing our willingness to submit to His higher purposes. By surrendering our will to His, we find strength and peace even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Conclusion
In the journey to better understand and accept God’s will, we must remember that the submission of our will is a gift—an act of trust and devotion. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell beautifully stated, “The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar.” Learning to embrace God’s individual plan for our lives endears us to our Heavenly Parents and deepens our love for Them. As we surrender, we open ourselves to divine guidance, knowing that God’s plan is far greater and more glorious than anything we could ever conceive.
Disclaimer: While all of our answers will use scriptures and/or words of modern prophets, we do not represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We don’t believe any of our answers are comprehensive.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
