Why a Prophet?
Why a Prophet?
By Lecia Crider
Moses had a water problem. So did Noah.
The Lord helped them both solve their problems in miraculous, but strikingly different, ways. Moses was instructed to part the sea and walk through on dry ground. Noah was instructed to build an ark and ride out the storm.
Why such different solutions? Well, their situations were different. Moses didn’t have time to build a boat - the Egyptians were on top of him!! And, it would have been highly impractical for Noah to part the seas for 40 days while it rained, considering the seas covered the entire earth.
Our day is different, too. Different from the time of Moses, and Noah, and all the Biblical prophets. I learn from and love those prophets so much. I study their words daily. I also want to hear what God has to say today. For our unique time and circumstances.
That’s why I’m grateful to know that there is a prophet on the earth today. His name is Russell M. Nelson and, although he is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he is the prophet for the whole world.
Our Father in Heaven has told us that He is an unchanging Being. That He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His love for His children has never diminished over the generations. His desire to guide us back to Him remains as strong as ever.
Why would He suddenly stop speaking to us and guiding us?
I maintain that He wouldn’t. Closing off communication with His children does not fit what the scriptures teach us of His character (James 1:17).
Here are a few things I’ve learned recently from today’s prophet:
“I invite you to seek an end to a personal conflict that has weighed you down. Could there be a more fitting act of gratitude to Jesus Christ for His Atonement? If forgiveness presently seems impossible, plead for power through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ to help you. As you do so, I promise personal peace and a burst of spiritual momentum.” (The Power of Spiritual Momentum, April 2022)
“Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other?” (Let God Prevail, October 2020)
“When we seek to hear - truly hear - His son, we will be guided to know what to do in any circumstance.” (Hear Him, April 2020)
“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” (Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives, April 2018)
As for me, I don’t have a water problem. (Yet. I do live in a desert!). But I have plenty of other problems, just like anyone else, and I will gladly take as much of my Heavenly Father’s advice as I can get. That’s why I love finding answers to my questions and guidance for my life in the words of ancient prophets found in the holy scriptures, and it’s also why I love hearing the voice of God through his prophet today.
More on this topic:
The Prophet of God
Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice
