Our beloved Prophet, Russell M. Nelson, has given great advice for our spiritual lives. I would like to put emphasis on his recent suggestion to seek and expect miracles. This was one of his five suggestions in his April 2022 General Conference, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum.” He said, “The Lord will bless you with miracles if you believe in Him, ‘doubting nothing.’” In his April 2021 masterpiece talk, “Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” he encouraged us to learn about miracles. Specifically, he said, “Only your unbelief will keep God from blessing you with miracles to move the mountains in your life.”
In both of those comments, his footnote referenced Mormon 9:21 as well as some surrounding verses. Mormon 9:21 is one of my favorite scriptures. It says: Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.
Our family has a story that involves that scripture. When my son-in-law, Andrew, was on his mission in Russia, he became quite ill and was ultimately sent back to the United States for a diagnosis and treatment. He had already spent several days in hospitals in both Russia and Japan. He had a strong desire to be able to return to Russia when he was healthy again but had been informed by his mission president that such a result was quite rare. On the long flight home, Andrew was studying the scriptures, with his desire to be able to return to Russia weighing heavily on his mind. When he came to Mormon 9:21, it jumped out at him and impressed him. He thought that he would try to put this promise to the test and began praying for his desire while trying to “doubt nothing.” Eventually, he was granted the opportunity to return to Russia to finish his mission as a young man now harboring a testimony of that scripture. His story has made Mormon 9:21 hold special meaning for me too.
I invite us all to study in depth the request and accompanying guidance from President Nelson regarding seeking and expecting miracles. I have faith that we can and will experience miracles if we put in the spiritual effort to help bring them about, including letting Mormon 9:21 be a motivating and faith-promoting guide for us.
Akron Ohio Stake News 