I hardly remember the details, but it was one of those moments that just stick. The TV was on, a man was speaking on miracles and the priesthood. This man, whoever he was, had some remarkable experiences giving blessings. I remember no other details except for a story about a woman confined to a wheelchair who came to her Bishop, asking to be healed. As her Bishop prepared for the blessing, he received a spiritual confirmation that she indeed could be healed. The time for the blessing came, the Bishop faithfully pronounced the blessing. The prayer concluded and this woman began to rise out of her chair. She then paused, and said something like “well maybe, it’s not to be…” And then sat back down. That was that.

When Oliver Cowdrey failed to translate more than just a couple words after The Lord told him he would have power to do so, The Lord gently explained,

“And, behold, it is because that you did not continue as you commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this privilege from you” (D&C 9:5).

In a CES fireside, Elder Holland characterized this as missing an opportunity of a lifetime because he missed the lifetime of the opportunity.

These are good reminders to me of God’s love and mercy to extend such wonderful blessings to us but it also serves as gentle nudge forward. To step forward toward the throne and kneel: to trust Him without second guessing myself.

As Paul instructed the Hebrews,

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise,” (Hebrews, Chapter 10:35-36).