The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways

Guest Blogger: David Mitchell

Elders Miskin, Black and Mitchell, July 2009

Over a year ago I became acquainted with a recent convert who had immigrated to Utah seeking to distance herself from the persecution she was receiving from her family and friends because of her decision to join the church. Over the course of a few months it became clear that she was not mentally stable and would often act in self-destructive ways. We had become friends and I would often give her my advice and opinions on concerns and trials she was facing, but would always tell her to seek the council of the bishop on many topics because of the priesthood keys he holds. In April, she moved to another city and, following the advice and counsel of my bishop, I ceased all communication with her. However, she continued to send me communications that were hurtful and suggested that her emotional state was very volatile. Concerned, I went to the Provo Temple with a desire to not leave until I had an answer regarding what, if anything, I could or should do to help her. While praying in the Celestial Room, I felt through the medium of the Holy Ghost a scripture that would often come into my mind on the mission when things didn’t go according to plan. The scripture is found in Psalms 46 which states: “Be still, and know that I am God.” I then said within the confines of my mind, “Well yes, but how should I act? What would you have me do, for surely this is outside of my hands.” I then felt a confidence flow through me as if everything was going to be alright. The impression came into my mind that I had done all that the Lord would have me do and I was to not get involved, but rather to stand aside and view the hand of the Lord concerning the affair. That evening I also asked for a blessing and received the same counsel I had received in the temple.

I left the situation in the hands of the Lord, and assumed that would be the end of the whole affair, and for a time it was. In September, as I was getting ready to start my last year at BYU, the issue again presented itself in the form of a Facebook message from one of her friends stating in the midst of a plethora of vulgarity and mean things that this friend knew where I lived and where I went to school. The friend further elaborated that she was going to find me and kill me. I had no idea, nor do I now, who this person is other than she is a friend of the girl I had cut connections with. I had no idea of this person’s potential or intent, so I called the police and had a protective order filed in my behalf.

Final Interview

This was a very stressful time for me. My family prayed, sought counsel, and fasted together as we prepared for the hearing with the judge. The morning of the hearing I had prayed to receive comfort and a blessing. However, due to the earliness of the hour I didn’t want to wake my roommates and ask for one. However, contrary to the norm, one of my roommates was up. He began to ask me about the upcoming hearing and tried to calm my nerves. In the end, he hesitantly asked me if I would like a blessing. I responded that I would love one. He gave me a quick, but wonderful blessing. After finishing, he asked me curiously if I knew of a young girl with long black hair and glasses. I responded that I did, and showed him a picture of my cousin. He responded that that was the girl he was referring to, and even though they had never met before, she had come to him several times in his dreams that evening asking him to give me a blessing. I was amazed at the love I had received. After the hearing, I met with my cousin to get ice cream at the BYU creamery. I mentioned to her about the experience concerning the blessing. She told me that all during the night she had been praying to Heavenly Father asking him to send someone to give me a blessing because she didn’t think that I would ask for one. Her final prayer before she headed off to institute that morning happened to occur at approximately the same time that my roommate had felt inspired to ask me if I wanted a blessing.

Through this experience I have learned again that the Lord is aware of everything that transpires in our lives. He loves us and cares for our wellbeing and will give us specific counsel when we ask specific questions. I have learned the true power of fasting and that when many are gathered in a common cause miracles are wrought. I know also that the Lord hears and answers every prayer, even those that are not uttered vocally. While I don’t know what the future holds, I know that as long as we stay near the Lord blessings will follow and we will be protected from the evils of this life. The Lord works in mysterious ways, but in so doing, he is able to bless the lives of His children.

David returned home in July 2010. He is a senior in civil engineering at BYU-Provo.

Have a miracle story you would be willing to share? Email your story to chinckley@mba1973.hbs.edu.