Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

— Doctrine and Covenants 123:17

I had fretted over a mission for years and ultimately concluded that if it was right that I would go. God would surely let me know — eventually. I never expected "eventually" to actually come.

For years I had been fascinated with the Washington, D.C., area. I eventually moved there (after receiving an answer at 21 that a mission was not right for me) and involved myself in missionary efforts in every way possible, while I worked full-time downtown.

It wouldn't be until three years later, after having moved back to Utah and doing all things that had been in my power to do, that the Lord finally got me to stand still long enough to see the revealing power of His almighty arm.

I remember reading the passage in Doctrine and Covenants 123:17 and knowing with absolute assurance that the time had finally come. I was certain that the time had passed. I recall asking out loud, in an almost joking manner, "Are you serious? Now?" He was serious.

Within two months I had my mission call, and the assurance came yet again, this time with an even stronger witness. I was being sent back to a place very familiar to me, and already dear to my heart. It was a time of refining reflection and determined discipleship which led me to this verse of scripture, and ultimately took me back to a fruitful corner of the Lord's vineyard in the Washington D.C. South Mission, where I watched His arm work miracles on a daily basis.

I have since returned from that sacred experience, and can testify that there does come a time in each of our lives, as we cheerfully labor with dedicated determination, that we, too, will have to stand still to see the salvation of the Lord. That standing still may take place while kneeling in our own personal sacred grove or even our own Gethsemane. Wherever it may be, I know that He is standing there with us, and that His arm can and will be revealed.

— Camille Gleason, Washington, Utah

"Living by the Scriptures" is another in a series of Church News reader response articles. Was there a time when a particular scripture touched you, when it offered comfort, guidance and much-needed support? If so, please describe your experience in 250-300 words, giving the scripture reference and telling how it affected you.

Send your submission to Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax (801) 237-2524. E-mail:

churchnews@desnews.com

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEnJ%2BuqpOdu6bD0meaqKVfZ31xgI5uZmtxX2eAc3%2BXbGhvZ6SdsrOxxaipnmWUmq6zuNhmmZ6kn6uypXnBq5ytoKKau264xK1krqtdmLWmsdGfrKWkqWKxsHnApaNmrJieu6i%2FjK2fmqxdobamecinZKitomK9sMPEq2SappRiwamxzQ%3D%3D