Who's Looking for Me? President Nelsons Story

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Long before Russell M. Nelson became Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he worked hard to have better Spiritual sensitivity. With practice he became very good at recognizing when the Lord needed him to act.

On one occasion, in an attempt to have some time together, Elder Nelson and his wife Dantzel decided to take a few days off and combine them with a medical meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With meetings concluded, in the middle of their third night away. Russell awoke with feelings of anxiety that had no apparent cause. Finally, he awakened Dantzel, described his unease and asked if they could pack and go home immediately.

Within a matter of minutes, they were on their way to the airport, managed to get seats on the next flight home from Denver, and landed in Salt Lake City an hour after takeoff. When Russell called his secretary from the airport to ask who was looking for him, she responded with surprise in her voice, "How did you know? You're needed at the hospital for Elder Paul Dunn."

They hurried to the hospital to find that Elder Dunn had experienced heart-attack-like symptoms during the night, and a subsequent arteriogram had confirmed that he had what amounted to a complete obstruction of the coronary arteries. As Dr. Nelson prepared to operate, President Kimball arrived to give Elder Dunn a blessing, and the surgical procedure began immediately.

Dr. Nelson barely opened the patient's chest when Elder Dunn had a full-on heart attack. Russell was able to stabilize his circulation and perform the necessary bypasses. Elder Dunn recovered and in time was able to resume his full schedule.

Much of our responsibility in the Lords work come before the call even comes. We do not know what will be our role in tomorrows events, but we are called to prepare today, for what can come tomorrow. When we live worthy of the Spirit the Lord will help us be prepared for what might come our way. Elder Nelson was prepared for this call, because of the way he lived his life. He was ready for the direction of the Spirit.

In the book "Teaching no Greater Call" it says: "After the resurrected Savior had spent a day teaching the Nephites, He commanded them to take time to prepare for the teachings He would share the next day. He said, “Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow” (3 Nephi 17:3). You can apply this principle in your preparation as a teacher. As you take time to prepare thoughtfully and prayerfully, you will be blessed with greater understanding. You will be more receptive to the guidance of the Spirit."

President Henry B. Eyring in a talk in 2023 called "Our Constant Companion":

He goes on to say, “And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.”

I have been encouraged by knowing that Nephi was guided by the Spirit minute by minute through the night on the Lord’s errand.

We need, and you will need, the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Now, we desire it, yet we know from experience that it is not easy to achieve. We each think and say and do things in our daily lives that can offend the Spirit.

When that happens, as it will, we may feel disapproval from the Lord. And we may be tempted to feel we are alone. It is important to remember the sure promise we receive each week as we repent and partake of the sacrament: “That they may always have his Spirit to be with them.”

...I testify that the Lord has kept His promise. The Holy Ghost is being sent to the faithful covenant members of the Church of Jesus Christ. Now, your experiences will be unique, and the Spirit will guide in the way best suited to your faith and capacity to receive revelation for you and for those you love and serve. I pray with all my heart that your confidence will grow."

References:

"Insights from a Prophets Life, Russell M. Nelson" by Sheri Dew p. 115-116