Elder Dale G. Renlund
When you receive any blessing from God, you can conclude that you have complied with an eternal law governing reception of that blessing. But remember that the “irrevocably decreed” law is time insensitive, meaning blessings come on God’s timetable. Even ancient prophets in search of their heavenly home “died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off … [and] were persuaded … and embraced them” [Hebrews 11:13]. If a desired blessing from God has not been received—yet—you do not need to go crazy, wondering what more you need to do. Instead, heed Joseph Smith’s counsel to “cheerfully do all things that lie in [your] power; and then … stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the … arm [of God] … revealed” [Doctrine and Covenants 123:17]. Some blessings are reserved for later, even for the most valiant of God’s children. (Dale G. Renlund, “Abound with Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 72)
My dear brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ desire to bless each of us. … Blessings from heaven are neither earned by frenetically accruing “good deed coupons” nor by helplessly waiting to see if we win the blessing lottery. No, the truth is much more nuanced but more appropriate for the relationship between a loving Heavenly Father and His potential heirs—us. Restored truth reveals that blessings are never earned, but faith-inspired actions on our part, both initial and ongoing, are essential. (Dale G. Renlund, “Abound with Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 70)
