In God's hands
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Becoming instruments in God's hand for good is possible for everyone, said Elder Don R. Clarke of the Seventy during the Sunday afternoon conference session.
He told of his grandfather, Alma Benjamin Larsen, a farmer who lost his sight at a young age. Many people became instruments in the hand of God to help him and his family. Particularly, Elder Clarke said, when a mortgage payment of $195 came due and the family couldn't pay, "a small, crippled man" named Jim Drinkwater gave them $200.
Elder Clarke read the words of Brother Drinkwater as recorded in his grandfather's journal: "Brother Larsen, I received a wireless message from Heaven this morning and I could not get you off my mind all day. I was sure you were in financial trouble."
Elder Clarke said, "I have thought about Jim Drinkwater many times and wonder how he came to be one that the Lord could trust. ... I have learned that a person does not need to have a Church calling, an invitation to help someone, or even good health to become an instrument in God's hands. How then do you and I become instruments in God's hands?"
He answered:
- "Have love for God's children. ...
- "Be willing to journey. ... God has asked us to journey — go on
missions, accept callings, invite someone to Church or help someone in
need."
- Fast and pray.
- "Be receptive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost."
Elder Clarke said he has a book in which he records inspiration and thoughts from the Spirit. He said when he follows them, his action is often the answer to someone's prayers.
Then he counseled, "When we receive promptings regarding God's children, if we write down the thoughts and inspiration we receive and then obey it, God's confidence in us increases and we are given more opportunities to be instruments in His hands."
