Elder Ronald A. Rasband on seeing the Lord's hand in our lives

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. February 6, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Our lives are like a chessboard, and the Lord moves us from one place to another—if we are responsive to spiritual promptings. Looking back, we can see His hand in our lives....

"Significant events unfold in the gospel and in the Church that further the kingdom of God on earth. They are not by accident but by God’s plan. He who fashioned this world can calm the seas with His word and can steer both Alma and Amulek and Nephi and Laban to be at the right place at precisely the right time.

"Likewise, events and associations unfold in each of our lives that further God’s work on earth....

"What should you be looking for in your own life? What are God’s miracles that remind you that He is close, saying, 'I am right here'? Think of those times, some daily, when the Lord has acted in your life—and then acted again. Treasure them as moments the Lord has shown confidence in you and in your choices. But allow Him to make more of you than you can make of yourself on your own. Treasure His involvement. Sometimes we consider changes in our plans as missteps on our journey. Think of them more as first steps to being 'on the Lord’s errand' (D&C 64:29)."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "By Divine Design," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

I suspect in the two years since Elder Rasband was called to the Quorum of Twelve, his experiences with God's hand working in his life have increased significantly; and he has had the opportunity to witness that blessing in the lives of so many members around the world. When I had the chance to serve in a stake leadership calling, I was often overwhelmed to witness that occurring as I had contact with many stake members. It was a blessing to my faith and testimony.

But the key is to recognize and respond to those influences in our personal lives. As we are obedient in the path of discipleship and as we are humble and prayerful, we will start to notice more and more that "events and associations unfold in each of our lives that further God’s work on earth."

It truly is important to seek for the evidence of God's hand, to notice and identify it. That enables us not only to express gratitude for the blessing, but as we "treasure His involvement" in our hearts, we will be strengthened and lifted up in our faith, knowing that He is aware of us and will continue to guide and bless.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)