In my scripture study today, I found myself drawn to a powerful story of spiritual preparation. Shortly after the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood in May 1829, Hyrum Smith came to his brother Joseph, eager to participate in the unfolding restoration. Hyrum’s heart was full of righteous desire. The Lord’s response, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 11, offers us a beautiful pattern for patient discipleship.
What strikes me most is the Lord’s emphasis on proper sequence and timing. “Seek not to declare my word,” He instructs, “but first seek to obtain my word” (D&C 11:21). This principle of patient preparation echoes throughout the section in powerful phrases like “wait a little longer” (D&C 11:16) and “hold your peace” (D&C 11:18).
The Lord provides a clear progression: “study my word which hath gone forth” and prepare for “my word which shall come forth” (D&C 11:22). He then offers this promise: “thou hast a gift, or thou shalt have a gift if thou wilt desire of me” (D&C 11:10). Like the Brother of Jared’s stones I wrote about previously, our offerings to the Lord, however simple, can become powerful instruments in His hands when we trust His timing.
Hyrum exemplified this trust in the Lord’s timing. Over the next year, he immersed himself in scripture study and helped with the publication of the Book of Mormon. By the time the Church was organized in April 1830, his knowledge had grown to match his righteous desires. The Lord’s promise had been fulfilled – as Hyrum “cleaved unto” the Lord (D&C 11:19) and “treasured up” His words, his tongue was indeed “loosed” (D&C 11:21).
This pattern of patient preparation continues today. While we might feel eager to share our testimonies or serve in greater ways, the Lord often asks us to wait until our preparation is complete. Just as Hyrum’s patient preparation enabled him to serve powerfully in the restoration, our own careful preparation allows the Spirit to work through us more effectively.
The Lord’s instruction to Hyrum to “say nothing but repentance” (D&C 11:9) takes on deeper meaning in this light. Before we can effectively invite others to turn to Christ, we must first experience that turning ourselves. Like Hyrum, who would later seal his testimony with his life alongside his brother in Carthage Jail, our preparation and patience can lead to powerful service in the Lord’s kingdom.
I testify that the same Lord who guided Hyrum Smith’s preparation lives today. As we follow this pattern of patient discipleship – seeking first to obtain, treasuring up the word, and trusting His timing – He will magnify our efforts just as He did Hyrum’s. The Lord honors those who honor His timing.
Elder Linder 